The players in scarlet and gray when Ohio State’s season opener against Cincinnati tips off at 6 p.m. Wednesday will be significantly different than the players who took the court the last time the Buckeyes took the floor.
No Keita Bates-Diop. No Jae’Sean Tate. No Kam Williams. No Andrew Dakich. In their place, the Buckeyes have four new freshmen and a graduate transfer.
Ohio State’s roster experienced a drastic shift in the offseason, losing more than 40 points of production, key leaders and defensive length from last year’s team. The Buckeyes returned two starters – C.J. Jackson and Kaleb Wesson – but mostly rely on many players who haven’t played large roles in the past.