As the first round of College Football Playoff rankings came out, the Ohio State basketball program was participating in an exhibition game. The Buckeyes hosted Division II opponent Chaminade, in preparation for the their season-opener against Robert Morris on November 7th.
This was the Buckeyes’ first chance at live action since their Bahamas trip in August. During that five-day trip, Ohio State defeated the Egyptian and Puerto Rican national teams.
On Tuesday, the Buckeyes would roll to victory by the score of 101-57. Led in scoring by transfer Tanner Holden, Buckeye fans got a taste of how easily he can fill up the scoresheet. Holden totaled 25 points on 10-12 shooting. He also had six rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal. Roddy Gayle and Zed Key also climbed into double figures, at 14 and 15 points respectively.
— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) November 2, 2022
With the season due to start next Monday, Chris Holtmann was cautious with his players as Eugene Brown III (concussion protocol) and Justice Sueing (ankle) sat out in a precautionary capacity. So the starting five of Likekele, McNeil, Thornton, Key, and Sensabaugh may not be the same going forward. We shall see how Holtmann manages his players usage as he boasts one of the deepest rosters of his tenure with Ohio State. The Buckeyes were able to dominate in the paint, on the break, and beyond the arc, outscoring Chaminade in every phase of the game. This balance will be essential over the course of the season, especially after the Buckeyes experienced many offensive droughts last year and come into this season lacking a go-to scorer.
Although this was just an exhibition, Buckeye fans should be excited for this team. The potential is laid out in front of us: Holtmann has a team that should defend well, can spread the floor, and has many guys that can go get a basket. A very young team this may, but a bright season and future lies ahead.
You can view the season/home-opener on Monday, November 7th @ 7:00 pm ET against Robert Morris on BTN+.
Featured image: Joseph Scheller, Columbus Dispatch
Gabe Woodcox is a content contributor for The Silver Bulletin. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of The Ohio State University with a major of Sport Industry. Gabe has been working closely with Ohio State athletics during his sport industry tenure, writing for BuckeyesNews and working most recently with 97.1 The Fan. He is an avid Buckeye basketball and sports betting fanatic and will continue his education in a Turf Management Masters program next fall.