Ohio State vs. Kentucky: 2019-20 key storylines for non-conference matchup

3) Kaleb Wesson vs. Kentucky’s bigs

The advantage Kentucky has over most of its opponents is in the middle, where their size plays a major role. Nick Richards and EJ Montgomery certainly have their flaws, but both have been productive – and both will be tasked with stopping Ohio State’s best player in Kaleb Wesson.

The 6-9, 270-pounder has been the guy that makes everything work offensive for the Buckeyes. He can dominate opponents down low with his size and soft touch around the rim, and he can also stretch the defense with a reliable jumper from three-point range. Wesson has also routinely flashed his ability as a playmaker and averages over two assists per game, which is a lot for a center.

Just how important is he? In the one game where Wesson really struggled, he posted season lows in rebounds (six) and shooting percentage (30.8) while matching a season-high in turnovers (six). As you probably guessed, that performance came in Ohio State’s loss to Minnesota.

When Wesson is at his best, he can produce a dominant 28-point, 10-rebound performance as he did against Penn State. Unsurprisingly, that was probably Ohio State’s best game of the year, too.

Kentucky has the personnel on the perimeter to limit Ohio State’s talented and deep backcourt. If they can neutralize Wesson and limit his impact in the middle, it will throw OSU’s entire attack off. If Wesson dominates, the Buckeyes could win easily.