Ohio State Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Buckeyes

Key Reserves

Guard – Scotty Middleton (Freshman)

Part of another stellar recruiting class, Middleton is a Top 60 recruit from Miami who has the size and talent to make an impact right away as a freshman. He projects as a solid shooter and decent defender whose game looks ready for the collegiate level, especially if he can consistently knock down the jump shot. He’ll be a key piece in that backcourt rotation.

Guard – Taison Chatman (Freshman)

The highest ranked of the young prospects; Chatman is a talented guard who was the top prospect from the state of Minnesota. He has the potential to play great at both backcourt positions, already possessing the ability to knock down shots from all over the court. He’s full of potential and will provide a solid backup behind some of the more proven options for the Buckeyes, but a bright future is ahead.

Guard – Dale Bonner (Senior)

After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Fairmont State, Bonner transferred to Baylor and was solid as a reserve guard for the Bears these last two years. While his numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, averaging 4.7 points and 2.7 assists, he did make 37% of his 3-pointers and his shooting touch will make him an excellent asset for Ohio State this season.

Guard – Evan Mahaffey (Sophomore)

While the Buckeyes aren’t exactly sure what Mahaffey will provide this season, they’re getting someone who projects as an above average rebounder. He was a reserve at Penn State as a freshman last year with minimal contributions and could work his way into a legitimate role in the rotation, especially if he can find his shot this year.

Forward – Devin Royal (Freshman)

Fresh from Pickerington in Ohio, Royal is another Top 50 prospect from this recruiting class, expecting to make moves with the Buckeyes from the power forward position. He’s athletic and relatively-well built for his age and size and has already shown an ability to score in bunches at the high school level. Expect him to earn minutes in the frontcourt, even with all that experience ahead of him on the depth chart.

Center – Austin Parks (Freshman)

Slightly more of a project than the other pieces of the recruiting class, Parks is no pushover. He’s a 6’10 center with decent scoring touch who will continue to hone his game and develop in the coming seasons. Practicing with Okpara and these other names in the frontcourt will only help him build his own game.