Ohio State Basketball: 2019-20 takeaways from Buckeyes blowout win over UNC
By Brian Rauf
2) Buckeyes have as much perimeter depth as anyone
Another thing that makes Ohio State so tough to beat is the depth of talent they have on the perimeter. Those quality individual defenders Holtmann mentioned previously are all versatile perimeter players that are long and tremendously quick, allowing them to switch everything, provide quality help, and recover without leaving many openings.
On the offensive end, it also makes for a never-ending avalanche of talented scorers getting their opportunities.
Duane Washington Jr. was the guy who stepped up against the Tar Heels, scoring a team-high 18 points. DJ Carton was the player of the game against Villanova with 11 points and five assists. Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, and CJ Walker have had their moments as well.
Ohio State can come at you in waves with those five players on the perimeter, leaving virtually no drop off when Holtmann goes to his bench. Because there’s not just one guy to focus on – as UNC has in Cole Anthony – the Buckeyes have a very balanced attack that causes an opposing defense to stretch thinner than normal and create more openings.
These five combined for 43 points and played spectacular defense all night. They weren’t flashy, but they nearly outscored North Carolina by themselves (and they have the benefit of playing with Kaleb Wesson, too).
If you’re looking for the deepest backcourt in the country, Ohio State certainly has a case to make.