Ohio State Basketball 2022-23: New Look Buckeyes Aim for Tournament Success
The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2022-23 NCAA basketball season looking to maintain their tournament streak while facing significant roster changes. Under sixth-year head coach Chris Holtmann, the program aims to improve upon recent .500 conference records and advance beyond the first weekend of March Madness.
Key Departures:
- E.J. Liddell (20 PPG, 8 RPG, All-Conference first team)
- Malaki Branham (17 PPG, All-Big Ten third team, conference rookie of the year)
- Kyle Young, Justin Ahrens, Jamari Wheeler, Cedric Russell (seniors)
- Meechie Johnson (transfer)
Key Returnees:
- Zed Key (Junior forward, expected to lead frontcourt)
- Justice Sueing (Returns after missing most of 2021-22 with hernia, averaged 10.7 PPG in 2020-21)
- Eugene Brown III (Former top 100 recruit with shooting potential)
Notable Additions:
- Isaac Likekele (Transfer from Oklahoma State, 7 PPG, 5 RPG)
- Sean McNeil (Transfer from West Virginia, 36.8% career 3-point shooter)
- Tanner Holden (Transfer from Wright State, 20 PPG, 7.1 RPG)
- Felix Okpara (4-star recruit, expected immediate frontcourt impact)
- Roddy Gayle (4-star recruit, promising shooter)
The Buckeyes bring in the Big Ten's top recruiting class and several impact transfers to offset significant losses. While maintaining NCAA Tournament consistency, the program faces the challenge of integrating new pieces while competing in a demanding Big Ten conference.
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