Ohio State Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2023-24

Power Forward

Starter – Zed Key

Zed Key is another returning name for the Buckeyes who’s carved out a role for himself in the starting frontcourt. He’ll be their starting power forward after finishing with 10.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 1.0 bpg on 55 percent shooting from the floor in 2022-23. He’s been a steady engine for them in the painted area with his ability to operate on both ends. He’s limited a bit on the perimeter shooting front, though he did manage to shoot 29.2 percent on 7-of-24 shooting this past season. He’ll give them a solid presence in the painted area to work with and give way for them to utilize Royal’s versatility when he’s off the floor.

Bench – Devin Royal

Devin Royal is a new face in the Ohio State rotation who should carve a role for himself off the bench this season. Given the lack of depth in the frontcourt, Royal should see his first minutes at the power forward role. Royal posted 19.6 ppg and 7.6 rpg as a senior this past season at Pickerington Central. He has the bulk for it at 210 pounds to battle in the painted area but can also create matchup problems for others with his versatility on offense. He’ll be able to interchange at the forward spot when he’s on the floor with Jamison Battle as well, making for great potential.