Ohio State Basketball Team: Ranked #2 in the Nation
The Ohio State basketball team is currently ranked second in the nation by the NCAA. This is an impressive feat, considering the number of teams in the nation and the amount of talent on display each season. The Buckeyes have long been a major player in college basketball, and this year is no different. With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, Ohio State is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
The History of Ohio State Basketball
Ohio State University has a long and storied history when it comes to college basketball. The Buckeyes have been a major player in the sport since the early 1900s, when the university first began fielding teams. Over the years, the team has won numerous conference and national championships, as well as multiple individual awards and honors.
The Current Roster
The current roster of Ohio State basketball features a number of talented players. Led by head coach Chris Holtmann, the team is full of experienced veterans and rising stars.
- Kaleb Wesson – A big man in the middle, Wesson is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year. He is the team’s leading scorer and rebounder.
- Duane Washington Jr. – Washington is a guard who can do it all. He is a three-point specialist, but also has the ability to get to the rim and finish. He is a two-time All-Big Ten selection.
- EJ Liddell – Liddell is a versatile forward who can score from all three levels. He is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2020.
- Luther Muhammad – Muhammad is a guard who is known for his defensive prowess. He is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.
The Coaching Staff
The Buckeyes are led by head coach Chris Holtmann. He is in his fourth season at the helm and has led the team to a 77-44 record. Holtmann is a two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year and was the 2018 National Coach of the Year.
Holtmann is assisted by associate head coach Terry Johnson and assistant coaches Ryan Pedon, Mike Schrage, and Jake Diebler. All four coaches are former Buckeyes and have been with the program for at least five seasons.
The Schedule
Ohio State has a tough schedule this season, with games against seven ranked opponents. The Buckeyes will face off against #1 Gonzaga, #4 Iowa, #8 Michigan, #12 Wisconsin, #17 Rutgers, #23 Michigan State, and #25 Purdue.
The Buckeyes will also participate in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, playing against #11 Duke on December 16th.
The Conference
Ohio State plays in the Big Ten Conference, one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. The Buckeyes have won the conference championship six times in their history, most recently in 2020.
The Big Ten is full of talent, with seven teams currently ranked in the top 25. The conference is also home to three of the top five teams in the nation, with #1 Gonzaga, #2 Ohio State, and #4 Iowa all playing in the Big Ten.
The NCAA Tournament
The Buckeyes have been a fixture in the NCAA tournament for the last decade, making the tournament in ten of the last eleven seasons. The team has made two Final Fours in that time, and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2020.
The Buckeyes are currently ranked second in the nation, which makes them one of the favorites to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
The Fans
Ohio State has a rabid fanbase, one of the most passionate in all of college basketball. The fans are known for their loud and raucous support of their team, and they have been a key factor in the team’s success over the years.
The Future
Ohio State is in a great position right now, with a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and rabid fan base. The Buckeyes are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and they could be in line for their first national championship in over a decade.
Conclusion
The Ohio State basketball team is currently ranked second in the nation, and they have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and passionate fanbase, the Buckeyes are in a great position to make a push for a national championship.