Your cart is currently empty!
Fuller roster helping Ohio State build continuity for Indiana State game
There was one word Ohio State continued to emphasize before, during and after its 20-point dismantling of No. 4 Kentucky.
Too much individual play, coupled with a depleted roster, had helped pave the way to an ugly, 38-point loss to No. 2 Auburn on Dec. 14. In the aftermath of that defeat, coach Jake Diebler preached togetherness as the Buckeyes steadied themselves, beat his alma mater Valparaiso and then took it to the Wildcats inside Madison Square Garden before breaking for the holidays.
It’s something that’s occasionally been lacking, both on the court and on the availability report. As the Buckeyes host Indiana State on Sunday for their final non-conference test, Diebler is hoping the game is another chance for growth on both fronts.
“I’m excited about where we are now that we’ve got a majority of our team back, hopefully, for a stretch where we can practice multiple times in a row with guys and build some of that continuity,” he said Thursday. “If we get an opportunity to do that I’m excited to see how that will get us ready for Big Ten play. I’d love to go back and wish we had more time with everybody on the court. This is the hand we’ve been dealt.”
Ohio State Buckeyes:Join the Ohio State Sports Insider text group with Bill Rabinowitz, Joey Kaufman Adam Jardy
After beating Kentucky on Dec. 21, the Buckeyes were allowed to go home, spend time with their families and then return to campus on the 26th. There were a few travel issues, Diebler said, and a touch of some illness, but 15 of the 16 players on the roster were physically present to start preparing for the Sycamores.
The lone outlier remains fifth-year transfer guard Meechie Johnson Jr., who took a leave of absence from the team due to personal reasons after the Auburn loss and remains away. Diebler has said he remains in touch with Johnson but that the return from break did not have any impact on his status. Ohio State resumes classes Jan. 8, but it’s not clear if that would be a deadline or not for whether or not Johnson rejoins the Buckeyes or not.
“There’s been no talk about that yet,” Diebler said. “It’s just been trying to support him one day at a time. As we get more information we’ll share that but right now it’s been a day-to-day thing. Obviously if you’re out an extended period of time it becomes a return-to-play (situation) and things like that, but we haven’t even gotten into that discussion yet. It’s really been about supporting him as best we can.”
Ohio State Buckeyes:Family, consistency and joy: Ohio State’s Ron Stokes celebrates them all
Sophomore center Aaron Bradshaw and sixth-year guard Ques Glover both returned against the Wildcats and made immediate impacts. Bradshaw hit his first five shots and finished with 11 points and two rebounds in 18 minutes against his former team while Glover had 9 points, three rebounds, one assist and no turnovers in 15 minutes to help fill the void created by Johnson’s absence.
“I thought (Ques) and Aaron maybe both exceeded my expectations in that game,” Diebler said. “It speaks to them and their readiness.”
Ohio State Buckeyes:Ohio State’s Evan Mahaffey, family thrilled to celebrate Christmas with healthy dad
Some of Glover’s minutes were the result of the latest injury to befall the Buckeyes. Fifth-year wing Micah Parrish has logged the second-most minutes on the team but had to leave during the second half when Glover was pushed into Parrish as he was trying to inbound the ball, causing him to fall awkwardly.
Diebler said after the Kentucky game that Parrish would be further evaluated later, and his status for Indiana State is unclear.
“He’s still day to day,” Diebler said Thursday. “He’s able to do a little bit. Obviously he’s so important for us that we’re giving him all the time we can to help him get back to 100%.”
Even freshman Colin White, who has missed the last six games with an ankle injury, was shown participating in Thursday’s practice when the Buckeyes posted photos to social media. Should White and Parrish both be available, Ohio State could be without just Johnson for this game.
It’s still not a full roster yet, but that would be as close as the Buckeyes have been since the start of the season. Building any continuity against the Sycamores will be important as Michigan State looms next on the schedule.
“We have to finish this non-conference season growing,” Diebler said. “Big Ten play, we’ve got to be a team that’s growing throughout Big Ten conference season too. If for a second you think you’ve arrived, that’s when you slip up and get beat.”
Get more Ohio State basketball news by listening to our podcasts
After a rocky start to the season with multiple key players suspended or injured, Ohio State is finally starting to see their roster fill up and build continuity as they prepare to face Indiana State this weekend.
With the return of star players like defensive end Chase Young and running back J.K. Dobbins, the Buckeyes are looking to hit their stride and showcase their full potential against the Sycamores.
Having a fuller roster not only gives Ohio State more depth and talent on the field, but it also allows the team to establish chemistry and cohesion as they work together towards their goals.
As they continue to build momentum and work towards a successful season, the Buckeyes are eager to show what they can do with a complete lineup against Indiana State.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting game as Ohio State looks to continue their winning ways with a stronger, more cohesive roster.
Tags:
- Ohio State football
- Indiana State game
- College football
- Roster depth
- Team continuity
- NCAA football
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Big Ten Conference
- Game preparation
- Player development
#Fuller #roster #helping #Ohio #State #build #continuity #Indiana #State #game
Leave a Reply