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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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 20: Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes high fives. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Rising sophomores emerge as stars

Player development is incredibly important in college basketball. While landing top recruits obviously helps, it is impossible for a program to reach its potential without player improvement. For Ohio State this season, the development of an elite sophomore class (No. 24 ranked 2017 recruiting class) could play a vital role this season.

At the forefront of this group is Kaleb Wesson. An elite big man, Wesson was tremendous in his first season with the Buckeyes in 2017-18. At 6-foot-9 and 270 pounds, he brings plenty of size to the frontcourt and can be a dominant finisher and rebounder. As a freshman, Wesson started 30 of Ohio State’s 33 games last season while averaging 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game. He also shot 56.2% from the floor.

Additionally, though, the Buckeyes have two more strong returning sophomores on the roster. In fact, both Musa Jallow and Kyle Young look poised to take on bigger roles this season. Jallow, a 6-foot-5 guard, should provide some quality reserve minutes in the backcourt. Then, Young projects as a strong contributor on the wing or as a small-ball power forward thanks to his 6-foot-8 frame.

Although not nearly as proven at the college level as Wesson, both of these players came to Columbus as top-150 recruits in the 2017 class and could become stars with larger roles.

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