Big Ten Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

Ohio State basketball might surprise some teams in the Big Ten basketball landscape in 2021-22. Head coach Chris Holtmann kept his NCAA Tournament streak alive, so to speak, with an appearance as a 2-seed in last year’s field. The Buckeyes fell in the first round though to No. 15-seed Oral Roberts, 75-72.

There’s plenty left in the cupboard though with 10 returners (four w/ starting experience) and five newcomers, including three out of the much-utilized transfer portal. E.J. Liddell, Justice Sueing, Kyle Young, and Justin Ahrens are the four returning names with starting experience under their belt set to avenge last season’s early exit.

Sueing and Young are due to contribute in bigger ways after posting solid production in 2020-21. Sueing produced 10.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.5 apg while shooting 36.1 percent from deep range and 49.1 percent from the field.

They’ll have plenty of experience alongside them led by transfers Jamari Wheeler (Penn State), Cedric Russell (Louisiana), Joey Brunk (Indiana), and returners Seth Towns, Meechie Johnson Jr. and Zed Key.

With more size down low, Liddell should be able to play more on the wing and increase his output. He led the way with 16.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.5 apg while shooting 33.8 percent from behind the arc and 47.4 percent from the floor.

If there’s one thing that should be on Ohio State basketball fans, it’s this: The Buckeyes have yet to make it past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament under Coach Holtmann. This year’s goal: Sweet 16 or bust for this experienced group.