Ohio State Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2018-19 campaign

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 10: Members of the Ohio State Buckeyes huddle prior to the start of the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Value City Arena on February 10, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Iowa 82-64. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

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BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Chris Holtmann flashes his brilliant basketball mind

Quite simply, Chris Holtmann is one of the brightest head coaches in the entire country. Over the past few years, the 46-year-old has risen quickly up the coaching ranks and for good reasons. An elite recruiter and tremendous in-game mind, there are very few as adept at leading a program. In the end, winning is the most important barometer of success and Coach Holtmann does plenty of that.

With four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (three at Butler, one at OSU), Coach Holtmann is no stranger to the postseason and that will be the end goal once again this season. Holtmann has already developed a reputation as someone who consistently exceeds preseason expectations and it seems as though he might do the same this season. The Buckeyes are projected to be a middle-of-the-road team in the Big Ten this year but it would be a mistake to overlook the possibility of an overachieving Ohio State team.

With a strong senior backcourt and an elite group of underclassmen, there is plenty of talent on this roster. Coaching matters in college basketball and Holtmann proves that. He understands how to get players to function as a unit and he often helps players realize their full potential on the court. For an example, simply look at how dominant Keita Bates-Diop was last season. There might not be a true star on paper this season but do not count out Holtmann’s ability to develop players.

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