Big Ten Basketball: 10 biggest storylines to watch for 2022-23 season

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 10: Head coach Mike Woodson of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after getting called for a technical foul in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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West Virginia Mountaineers guard Sean McNeil Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Ohio State has backcourt depth but lacks a pecking order

Towards the end of last season, freshman guard Malaki Branham became the go-to guy of the backcourt. He’s gone, along with seniors Jamari Wheeler and Cedric Russell, plus transfer Meechie Johnson. Role player Eugene Brown is back, along with a trio of four-star freshmen and veteran transfers.

Among the freshmen is point guard Bruce Thornton, along with shooting guard Bowen Hardman. And Roddy Gayle Jr. may end up being the best player among the newcomers as a true combo guard.

The veterans have specific roles. OK State transfer Isaac Likelele is a point guard and all-around player, though he never averaged double figures in any of the four years. Tanner Holden is definitely a scorer, going for over 20 ppg last season at Wright State. The 6’6 wing is a great offensive talent but going from the Horizon League to Big Ten Basketball is a leap. And Sean McNeil comes from West Virginia and is a volume shooter from deep, making 37% on 5.5 attempts in two years.

This is a unique crop where on paper, there isn’t a clear-cut go-to option unless Holden can translate his talents to the Big Ten. While the transfers are a solid crop, they’re not likely to lead the Buckeyes to a top-4 finish in the league standings. They’ll need at least one of the freshmen to break out and become a key part of the offense, though it’s anyone’s guess as to who it is.

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