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Ohio State Basketball: Ohio State Buckeyes 2015-16 Season Preview

By Chris Godfrey

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Ohio State Buckeyes

2014-2015 Record: 24-11 (11-7, Big Ten)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament – Third Round

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The Ohio State University never quite turned the corner last year with D’Angelo Russell leading a team of seniors through the Big Ten gauntlet. There were big wins, but just as many head-scratching losses. Ultimately, the team bowed out of the tournament during the first weekend. The Departure of Russell and last year’s senior class signals the dawning of a new era for the Buckeyes.

Thad Matta has assembled a deep recruiting class of players that will likely stay in Columbus for all four years, and there’s still talent remaining from last year’s roster as well. This isn’t a rebuild. This is a reload.

Newcomers

G – Jaquan Lyle (#41 247Sports Composite)
G – A.J. Harris (#80 ESPN100)
C – Daniel Giddens (#59 ESPN100)
F – Mickey Mitchell (#94 247Sports)
G – Austin Grandstaff (#50 ESPN100)

Key Non-Conference Games

Nov. 27 vs Memphis – The Baby Buckeyes will get their first true test when they welcome a talented Memphis team to Columbus. If the team falters during the Big Ten schedule, this is the type of win that could squeeze them into the tournament if things get bubbly.

Dec. 1 vs Virginia – Almost two months away from gameday, I’m going to put the Cavs on upset alert here. Campus will be rocking when Virginia visits as a part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Though this may seem like an unfair matchup (how did we not get Maryland vs Virginia here?!?!), the Buckeyes will have a distinct advantage in the athleticism department. If the Buckeyes catch the right breaks, this could be the game that proves they can contend this year rather than waiting for next year.

Dec. 12 vs UConn – At some point, you have to go on the road and see what your guys are made of. That trip coming of age trip is booked for Storrs, Connecticut. Though the Huskies may not be as good as Memphis or Virginia, they are still plenty talented, and their home crowd will be anxious to will their team to a big non-conference win. This is an important game that will test the maturity level of Matta’s young team.

Dec. 19 vs Kentucky – Normally this is an open and shut case. Kentucky wins, and everyone goes home happy. This year could be different. I’m as pessimistic about Kentucky’s recruiting class as I am optimistic about Ohio State’s. I won’t dare call an upset, but I’ll dare to say the Buckeyes have a shot.

Key Players

Marc Loving – Not too many players in the Big Ten are more due for a breakout season that Marc Loving. Despite playing a supplementary role in a lineup with two senior guards and the #2 overall pick in the NBA Draft, Loving managed to be third on the team in scoring. This year with those first three options gone from the team, Marc will likely be loving the green light he’ll have on offense this year.

Jae’Sean Tate – Everything said in the previous paragraph about Marc Loving can be applied to the season prognosis for Jae’Sean Tate. Last year’s freshman class was overshadowed by the presence of D’Angelo Russell. It allowed a player like Tate to quietly become a reliable player with  a bright future within the program. After averaging just under nine points per game last year, Tate will likely add to that total thanks to additional playing time and a full summer of improvement.

Season Outlook

The new “Thad Five” is causing a stir in Columbus, and the buzz is warranted. This Class of 2015 is the type of group that can grow into a national title together. This is especially true because they will have veteran presence from vets like Tate and Loving. The outlook for the Buckeyes has to be a positive one. For some reason (even though I’m a die-hard Michigan fan) I can’t contain my excitement for how good I think this team can be. My boldest prediction? Of the four teams listed in the Key Games portion of this post, OSU will win two of them (imagine if it’s Kentucky and Virginia). This team will make it to the NCAA Tournament, and when they get there, they may be on the verge of causing trouble.

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