NCAA Basketball: 10 sleeper teams to watch heading into 2023-24 season
Ohio State Buckeyes
It was a tumultuous season last year for Chris Hotlmann. From January 5 to February 26, the Buckeyes went on a 1-14 slide before going on an impressive run to the Big Ten Tournament Semifinals. Nonetheless, the Buckeyes still finished with an unappealing 16-19 (5-15) record. It was their worst year since the 1997-1998 season, according to Sports Reference.
Departing Columbus from last year’s team include their leading scorer Brice Sensabaugh, who went on to be drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 28th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. Other departures include Justice Seuing, sharp-shooter Sean McNeil, Isaac Likekele and Tanner Holden (who elected to transfer back to Wright State.)
So what makes this team a sleeper team?
Seeing the expanded role of the Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr. duo gives the Buckeye faithful plenty of optimism. Thornton, as a true freshman last year, started in all 35 games, averaged 10.6 points per game, and logged 30.5 minutes per game, per Sports Reference. Gayle Jr., who didn’t have as prominent of a role as Thornton had last year, was still able to show flashes of excellence including a 15-point game against Michigan State and a 20-point game against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals and Semifinals, respectively.
Heading to the post, Chris Holtmann will look to utilize the talented low-post scorer Zed Key and Felix Okpara — who played his best basketball late in the season.
Headling the Buckeyes transfer portal class includes La Salle/Minnesota transfer Jamison Battle, Baylor transfer Dale Bonner and Penn State transfer Evan Mahaffey. Although Battle is certainly the most critical piece out of this class due to his undeniable proven talent, here is my take on Evan Maheffy via Twitter:
-Love the addition of Penn State transfer Evan Mahaffey. More of a long-term investment in terms of statistical production but a.) had some solid games last year at Penn State and b.) can certainly be a reliable forward off the bench He WILL get minutes this year.
— Cole Amundson (@playformarch) July 23, 2023
Additionally, Chris Hotlmann and staff have assembled a Top 11 ranked recruiting class, according to 24/7 Sports. Taison Champan, Devin Royal and/or Scotty Middleton may play critical roles for the Buckeyes for the majority of the season.
The blend of a talented freshman class, strong guard and post-play that can stretch the floor alongside critical transfer portal additions places Chris Holtmann in a much better situation to have a successful season this upcoming year.
Next. Washington Huskies. dark