Bond With Jake Diebler, Plans for Expanded Role Kept Devin Royal at Ohio State

Devin RoyalDespite Devin Royal’s Buckeye State background and surge in the second half of last season, there was still a decision for him to make when Ohio State’s basketball program transitioned from Chris Holtmann to Jake Diebler.

Five of Royal’s teammates became teammates no more via the transfer portal. He could have easily joined them in that respect if he felt his future was brighter elsewhere.

Ultimately, the primary reason Royal stayed with the Buckeyes was Diebler himself.

“Just the role and what Dieb has planned for me this year coming up,” Royal said. “The guys he’s got coming in, the key (pieces) he’s got. He just wanted me to come in and be more of a key point than last year, so…