Big Ten Basketball: Top 20 impact transfers heading into 2021-22 season

19. Cedric Russell – Ohio State

When the former Ragin’ Cajun steps onto the floor for the Ohio State Buckeyes, his position as a starter in the backcourt along with fellow transfer Jamari Wheeler – more on him later- will remain the same, his role on the team will look much different. While at Louisiana the starting shooting guard averaged over 17 points while attempting 14 field goals per game, almost three more than anybody else.

This will not be necessary as he logs starter minutes alongside senior Justice Sueing and junior EJ Liddell. Russell, however, will be looked upon to improve his 1.2 assists per game and continue the eerily similar three-point shooting numbers as Duane Washington. Last season Russell was selected to the All-Sun Belt First Team as he continued to be more effective with the ball in his hands than he is when he plays off-ball.

While he does have the ability to take defenders off the dribble, his greatest attribute is being able to extend the defense beyond the arc. His 40 percent success rate from the three-point line is substantially better when his shot is uncontested, a situation that could arise as his defender double-downs on Liddell. Russell, whose defensive rating of 106.9 was the worst among the Louisiana starters last season, is not afraid to pressure the ball beyond the arc.

In doing so, he has shown he is vulnerable to be taken off the dribble, as was demonstrated in the Vegas Bubble last season. It may take Russell the non-conference games to adjust to his new role, but there is no doubt he will be an important piece for the Buckeyes plans this season.