​What’s up, everyone? We’re back with another Big Ten basketball preview, and this time we’re zeroing in on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Last season, Ohio State put together a 21-13 overall record with a 12-8 mark in conference play, which earned them an eighth-place finish in the Big Ten standings. Looking ahead to next season, the Buckeyes will face the challenge of replacing three of their top four scorers: Bruce Thornton (19.9 ppg), Devin Royal (13.7 ppg), and Cristoph Tilly (11 ppg). Despite this turnover, OSU will lean on their second-leading scorer from last season, John Mobley Jr., who averaged just under 16 points per game, to provide a solid foundation as they build around him.
One player to watch this year is Jimmie Williams, a 6’5” transfer from Duquesne who averaged 15.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season. Williams is a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, hitting 34% of his three-pointers, and he also has the ability to attack closeouts and drive to the rim when defenses overcommit to the perimeter. His versatility should give OSU an additional scoring punch and some needed spacing to complement Mobley in the backcourt.
Another addition to keep an eye on is Justin Pippen, coming in from California. As the son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, Pippen put up 14.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in about 31 minutes per game for the Golden Bears last season. Efficiency questions persist, as he shot around 37% from the floor and 32.7% from three, which are below ideal marks for a guard in a major conference. If he can elevate his efficiency and capitalize on opportunities, Pippen has the talent to become a meaningful contributor for Ohio State and help raise the offense’s ceiling.
Additionally, the Buckeyes added a highly regarded incoming freshman forward, Anthony Thompson, who is ranked as the No. 7 recruit in the class. Thompson stands 6’9” with an exceptional 7’4” wingspan, giving him the versatility to play both the small forward and power forward positions. While he may not be the most athletic player on the floor, his length and reach could translate into defensive versatility and rebounding edge, complementing his scoring ability. The prospect has drawn early comparisons to high-upside wings and is regarded as a potential late lottery pick in the next NBA draft. There’s real intrigue around how his game will translate to college competition and how quickly he can contribute in meaningful minutes.
As for the schedule, the Buckeyes are set to host Oregon State, with the Ducks traveling to Columbus this season. At the time of writing, the game date has not yet been confirmed. A marquee home-and-home with an intriguing non-conference opponent could provide OSU with a meaningful early test as they navigate lineup changes and try to establish team chemistry.
In sum, Ohio State faces an altered rotation with several new faces expected to contribute right away. They’ll lean on Mobley’s scoring ability to provide leadership and consistency, while Williams and Pippen add shooting, playmaking, and athletic upside to support the offense. Thompson’s addition brings elite length and scoring potential from the frontcourt, which could help the Buckeyes make strides in the Big Ten. The path to a stronger season hinges on internal development, the growth of the freshmen, and how quickly the newcomers adapt to Big Ten competition. For fans, there’s plenty to be excited about as OSU looks to rebound from a solid campaign and push further up the standings this year. Sco Ducks.