The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 13th in the Big Ten and missed the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2016. However, head coach Chris Holtmann has reloaded his roster with a mix of returning veterans, talented transfers, and highly rated freshmen. Here is a breakdown of the Buckeyes’ projected roster and depth chart for the 2023-2024 season.

Point Guard

Starter: Bruce Thornton Backup: Dale Bonner

Bruce Thornton returns for his sophomore season as the Buckeyes’ starting point guard. He averaged 10.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game as a freshman, while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range and 45.6 percent from the field. He is a strong and quick guard who can attack the rim, create for others, and defend at a high level. He ranked 17th in the Big Ten in offensive rating (113.7) and 20th in assists (92) last season¹.

Dale Bonner is a graduate transfer from Baylor, where he played a reserve role for the Bears for two seasons. He averaged 4.7 points, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and 44.1 percent from the field². He is a versatile and experienced guard who can play both on and off the ball, as well as provide some defensive pressure.

Shooting Guard

Starter: Roddy Gayle Jr. Backup: Bowen Hardman

Roddy Gayle Jr. is a sophomore who transferred from Wasatch Academy in Utah, where he averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game as a senior³. He is a four-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 48 player in the nation by ESPN⁴. He is a smooth and athletic wing who can score from all three levels, as well as rebound and defend multiple positions.

Bowen Hardman is a sophomore who played sparingly as a freshman, averaging 1.8 points and 0.6 rebounds per game in 5.8 minutes per game⁵. He is a sharpshooter who made 11 of his 22 three-point attempts last season (50 percent). He will look to earn more playing time with his shooting ability and improved defense.

Small Forward

Starter: Jamison Battle Backup: Evan Mahaffey

Jamison Battle is a graduate transfer from Minnesota, where he averaged 16.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 40 percent from three-point range and 43 percent from the field⁶. He was named to the All-Big Ten3rd Team by the media. He is a skilled and versatile forward who can stretch the floor, attack the basket, and play inside-out.

Evan Mahaffey is a sophomore who transferred from Penn State, where he averaged 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game as a freshman. He is a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 10 player in Ohio by ESPN. He is a long and athletic wing who can slash to the rim, finish in transition, and defend multiple positions.

Power Forward

Starter: Zed Key Backup: Devin Royal

Zed Key is a senior who has been a solid contributor for the Buckeyes for three seasons. He averaged 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 55 percent from the field. He is a strong and physical post player who can score with either hand, rebound on both ends, and protect the paint.

Devin Royal is a freshman who was ranked as the No. 8 player in Ohio by ESPN. He is a four-star recruit who averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game as a senior at Pickerington Central High School. He is a skilled and mobile forward who can shoot from the perimeter, handle the ball, and pass well.

Center

Starter: Felix Okpara Backup: Austin Parks

Felix Okpara is a sophomore who transferred from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee, where he averaged 12 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks per game as a senior. He is a four-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 39 player in the nation by ESPN. He is an elite shot-blocker who can alter shots at the rim, run the floor, and finish with authority.

Austin Parks is a freshman who was ranked as the No. 11 player in Ohio by ESPN. He is a three-star recruit who averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game as a senior at St. Mary’s Memorial High School. He is a big and strong center who can score in the post, rebound well, and set hard screens.

Kennedy Cambridge, a standout guard and former player for Kentucky, has decided to transfer to Ohio State. She made the announcement on Wednesday night through her Instagram, and Buckeye fans couldn't be more thrilled about this addition to their team. Let's dive in and learn more about Kennedy Cambridge and what she brings to the table.

Who is Kennedy Cambridge?

Kennedy Cambridge is a talented basketball player who recently made the move from the University of Kentucky to Ohio State. With one season of experience under her belt, she averaged an impressive 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game during her time at Kentucky. Known for her speed, agility, and scoring ability, Cambridge is a versatile player who can make an impact from anywhere on the court.

Ohio State women's basketball is certainly not done bolstering their roster. In addition to Kennedy Cambridge, they've also added former Duke guard and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Celeste Taylor and Michigan State forward Taiyier Parks from the transfer portal. This influx of talent is sure to take the Buckeyes to new heights in the 2023-24 season.

What skills does she bring to the Ohio State women's basketball team?

So, what skills does Kennedy Cambridge bring to the Ohio State women's basketball team? Well, her speed and agility make her a formidable force on offense. She has the ability to score from anywhere on the court, and her knack for sinking shots is sure to keep the Buckeyes in the game. Moreover, Cambridge's experience playing at the Division I level will provide valuable leadership to the team.

How did her transfer from Kentucky come about?

Now, let's talk about her transfer from Kentucky to Ohio State. Kennedy Cambridge made this decision primarily because she wanted to be closer to her family in the Midwest. After entering the transfer portal, she received interest from various schools, but the strong culture and the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten conference ultimately drew her to Ohio State. Cambridge is eager to don the Buckeye jersey and make her mark on the court.

What impact is she expected to have on the team's performance?

When it comes to the impact Kennedy Cambridge is expected to have on the team's performance, it's safe to say that she'll be a game-changer. Her experience and talent will undoubtedly raise the level of play for Ohio State. Last season, she played in 25 games for Kentucky and averaged an impressive 5.2 points per game. With her speed, agility, and three-point shooting prowess, Cambridge will be a valuable addition to the Buckeyes' roster.

What are the team's goals for the upcoming season?

Now, let's talk goals. The Ohio State women's basketball team has their sights set high for the upcoming season. They're determined to improve their overall record and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. With the addition of Kennedy Cambridge and the talent they have on their roster, the Buckeyes are confident that they can compete at the highest level and achieve their goals.

Scotty Middleton (twitter) is a 6'7" small forward at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. He is considered one of the top players in the class of 2023 and had garnered interest from top college programs around the country before signing with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Get to know more about Scotty Middleton and find out what makes him such an unstoppable force.

Sunrise Christian basketball's Scotty Middleton is an unstoppable force on the court. Coming from Wichita, KS, get to know the small forward that leads in scoring, rebounding and assists. He is a highly skilled player with excellent athleticism and a high basketball IQ. He is an excellent playmaker and can score the ball at all three levels. He has a great understanding of the game and can create for teammates with his passing ability. Middleton is also an excellent rebounder and defender.

Middleton was a highly sought after recruit and had received offers from Ohio State, Connecticut, Seton Hall, DePaul, and many more. He also saw interest from some of the top college programs in the country, including Kentucky and Duke. Middleton is a key part of the Sunrise Christian Academy team and has helped lead them to success in their recent seasons. He is a key contributor and could be a major factor in OSU’s success going forward.

Who is Scotty Middleton?

Scotty Middleton is a small forward from Wichita, KS and a star player for Sunrise Christian basketball. He's a rising senior who stands 6'7" and is constantly pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an explosive ball-player. His leadership on the court is unmatched with his dedication, hustle and determination setting him apart from many others. Get to know more about Scotty Middleton and see why his drive has made him one of the best in Wichita!

What Are His Season Stats?

In the 2020-2021 season, Scotty Middleton's stats were off the charts. He led his team in scoring with 26.4 PPG and also led in rebounding 13.2 RPG, assists 8 APG and blocks 1.8 BPG. These impressive stats truly show off why he is a star player on the court for Sunrise Christian basketball.

What Did He Do Well in the 2019-20 Campaign?

During the 2019-20 season, Middleton had a few standout performances. He led his team to wins in seven of their last eight games and averaging 24.9 PPG and 8.1 RPG during that stretch. He also knocked down some clutch shots throughout the season, leading to victories for Sunrise Christian in tight games.

How Has He Impacted Sunrise Christian's Basketball Program?

Ever since Middleton joined Sunrise Christian's basketball program, he has been an incredible asset. With his hard work and determination, he has pushed the team to become even better as a unit. He is a leader on the court and encourages his teammates to always give it their all. He has been a major contributor to Sunrise Christian's success this season, providing key scoring and rebounding when needed most.

How Has He Managed to Shine on the Court Despite All the Injury Struggles?

At only 6'7", Middleton is an undersized small forward, but that hasn't stopped him from making a big impact on the court. He has managed to remain productive and effective despite his injury woes and has been able to stay healthy for most of the season. All of his hard work in practice has paid off as evidenced by his impressive stats each game. His dedication and resilience are one of the main reasons why Sunrise Christian have achieved so much this season.

Sean McNeill (twitter) was a guard for the West Virginia Mountaineers of the NCAA Division I men's basketball team. McNeil, a former Cooper High School standout guard, has spent three seasons with the West Virginia Mountaineers under head coach Bob Huggins. He was born on August 17, 1998, in Union, Kentucky, and measures 6'3 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. Because of his recent decision to finish his NCAA basketball career with the Ohio State Buckeyes, this 23-year-old basketball player is making the rounds in the NCAA circuit. Sean McNeil of West Virginia is a terrific basketball player, but who exactly is he? Let's have a look.

West Virginia Sean McNeil

Sean McNeil played for the West Virginia Mountaineers for three seasons, with his finest season coming in 20-21, when he averaged 12.2 points per game and shot 37 percent from behind the three-point arc. McNeill's rookie season at WVU is also worth noting, as the gifted athlete averaged 5.5 points per game while playing in 28 games.

McNeil Coming out of High School

247Sports ranked him as the 24th best overall prospect in the country, the 11th best shooting guard prospect in the country, and the first best overall prospect in Kentucky during the 2019 recruiting cycle. His performance was also given an overall score of 0.8628 out of a possible 1.

Prior to his time at West Virginia, McNeil was a decorated and accomplished basketball player, earning National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II First Team All-America accolades and being awarded the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player and Freshman of the Year. He was racking up points and dropping bucket after bucket, scoring more than 30 points a game 15 times and more than 40 points per game six times.

McNeil Visits Ohio State

Sean McNeill visited Ohio State on a weekend visit after three seasons with the West Virginia Mountaineers, which convinced him to join the Buckeyes and play for one season. McNeil chose Ohio State over Cincinnati, Louisville, Indiana, Texas Tech, and Virginia, among other schools. McNeil enrolled in the NCAA transfer portal on March 28, committing to the Ohio State Buckeyes following three seasons with the West Virginia Mountaineers.

McNeil Added to the Ohio State Roster

Sean McNeil, who has been added to the Ohio State Buckeyes' roster, is looking forward to proving himself and exceeding expectations in his final season of eligibility. During McNeil's three-year career with the West Virginia Mountaineers, the Union, KY native scored 900 points in 89 games. Sean McNeil was a key component in the Mountaineers earning a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2021.

Lake Highland Prep Orlando Florida standout Brice Sensabaugh committed to Ohio State at the end of September adding to their already highly rated class. Sensabaugh played AAU basketball with Each 1 Teach 1, and got noticed by the college scouts with his performance.

Brice was one of the top performers on day 1 at the Under Armour All America Peach Jam. He had a good showing and pulled in a number of offers and increased his stock significantly.

Brice Sensabaugh Biography

A Small Forward at 6-6 240 lbs., he was rated a 4-Star recruit, 75th nationally, and the 21st small forward in the country.

Brice Sensabaugh, an Orlando Florida standout, committed to Ohio State at the end of September, adding to the Buckeyes' already strong recruiting class.

Offers from some of this year's best schools including Ohio State, Xavier, Ole Miss, Virginia, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Florida, Clemson and more.

Brice Sensabaugh Selecting Ohio State

Sensabaugh selected Ohio State over Alabama, Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, and Clemson. Sensabaugh received an offer from Ohio State in August, but the Buckeyes quickly surged to the top of his list because his father is an alum and he grew up rooting for the team.

His connections with instructors Jake Diebler and Chris Holtmann have become stronger, thanks in part to their openness with him. “I think I’m a good fit for this team because I can really fill the small forward position,” said Sensabaugh. “Coach told me they were looking for someone to team up with the point guard. I think I can really help this team out. They welcomed me into their home and made me feel part of their extended family.”

Brice Sensabaugh Visits

Sensabaugh made three official visits before deciding on a college destination. He visited Georgia Tech on August 27th, Alabama on September 10th, and Ohio State on September 18th. He committed on the 28th to the Buckeyes by announcing live on Instagram and Twitter.

Jamari Wheeler announced that he will play his final college season for the Buckeyes after the last four years playing for the Penn State Nittany Lions. This means that the NCAA Tournament isn't even down to the final four competitors and yet the Ohio State Buckeyes have made an addition to next year's team.

Wheeler Leaving Penn State

Former Nittany Lion guard Jamari Wheeler announcer on Twitter on Tuesday night that he is transferring from to Columbus to join the team at OSU with Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes. This transfer will be a tough one for Penn State fans to accept, and it will be challenging for his former team members when they come up against him next season.

Wheeler has played for Penn State for the last four years but will play his final college season for the Scarlet and Gray as he has the advantage of an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA as a result of the COVID-19 virus.

When Jamari Wheeler became available for transfer several weeks ago, it seemed as if he would leave, no matter how much Micah Shrewsberry wanted him to reconsider. What wasn't anticipated was that Jamari would choose to transfer to a top ten rival, but that's what's happened as he announced tonight he will play his final year of college basketball at Ohio State.

NCAA Tournament

Jamari was clearly hoping to play his final year at a team that will be in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Buckeyes' Chris Holtmann has a good team spirit going in Columbus right now and with this move signals to Sandy Barbour and the rest of the PSU athletic administration his disdain which he made clear in media last Fall.

Jamari Wheeler was a 3-year starter in State College averaging 6.8 points, 3.5 assists per game and 4.2 rebounds. Wheeler has also became a much better shooter as his career has progressed and OSU was especially attracted to him as he achieved close to two steals per game as a senior; this was a big reason at the time that the Buckeyes couldn't pull away from Penn State when they played against them this year.

How Wheeler Helps Ohio State

The move helps Ohio State address its defense in the offseason, particularly in the guard spot as C.J. Walker leaves. Wheeler will join Meechie Johnson, Duane Washington Jr., Jimmy Sotos (who is expected to return after suffering a shoulder injury at the beginning of the season) as well as incoming freshman Malaki Branham.

Point Guard Bruce Thornton from Milton Alpharetta Georgia committed to play for Chris Holtmann and the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2022. Thornton is quite a get for the OSU team as he is considered the 7th best point guard in the country and the 30th best overall prospect.

The Ohio State 2022 Basketball Class

The 2022 class for the Buckeyes is almost complete now with Thornton, shooting guards Roddy Gayle Jr and Bowen Hardman. Josiah Harris from Richmond Heights Ohio or a out-of-state center could still be added. The OSU class is currently ranked the best in the country.

Bruce Thornton Commitment

Four star Thornton was recruited by Jake Diebler made the announcement on Thanksgiving and will look at get time on the floor as Meechie Johnson becomes a junior in 2022 and graduates the year after. His relationship with Diebler and Holtmann was a major reason that he selected the Buckeyes over other Big 10 teams.

Other schools looking to land Thornton included Alabama, Georgia, Purdue and Indiana.

What Thornton Brings to Ohio State

Last season he averaged 23 point/game with 6.1 assists and 7 and a half rebounds. He feels his leadership as a point guard is one of the best aspects that he brings to a program. His tough defense is also something that catches everyone’s eye when watching him play.

Youngstown New York 4 star Shooting Guard Roddy Gayle Jr has committed to play at Ohio State in 2022 for Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes. The 6’4” 195 lbs. prospect is considered the #1 player in New York, the 7th best shooting guard in the country and the 76th best overall in the country. He also had offers from Georgetown, DePaul, Marquette, Connecticut and Alabama.

Roddy Gayle Jr Recruitment

Assistant coach Jake Diebler recruit Gayle for Ohio State. Beating Syracuse for a recruit the Buckeyes offered in June is a great feat for the Buckeyes who have solidified their back court for years to come.

Gayle Visits

On a visit Gayle took to Ohio State in March of 2020, he fell in love with the atmosphere and the facilities at OSU. He was able to build a relationship with the members of the basketball staff at Ohio State and catch a Michigan home game. On a recent virtual conference with the coaches, Gayle found out how the program plans to use him and felt the team was the right place for him.

What Gayle Offers Ohio State

Gayle is a little bit of a different guard. His speed is great in transition and he is versatile, able to play any of the guard positions. Plus he has a smooth offensive style with a great jump-shot.

Seth Towns Transferring from Harvard

Seth Towns was selecting between Ohio State and Duke for his graduate years after leaving Harvard this month. Luckily for the Buckeyes, Town decided to return home and play for Chris Holtmann. He will be eligible immediately.

He is a 6’7” 215 lbs. forward who had 5 rebounds per game and shot 44% from behind the arc two years ago at Harvard should be a nice addition. He was the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2017-2018, his sophomore season.

He was considered the number one college basketball player in the NCAA transfer portal and will get two years of eligibility in Columbus due to being injured his final two years of undergraduate work.

Towns views the program at Ohio State as a top level program. He also mentioned a relationship with Chris Holtmann that led him to return to Ohio to play for the Buckeyes. Coming out of high school, Holtmann tried to get Towns to enroll at Butler.

Ohio State Basketball 2020

The departure this offseason of freshman Alonzo Gaffney and DJ Carton from Ohio State has been tough on the program.

The addition on grad transfer Seth Towns from Harvard will soften the blow and make the Buckeyes look quite different from what has projected a month ago. Towns is a Columbus native who played at Northland High School and dreamed of playing for the Buckeyes from an early age. He considers Northland and Buckeye legend Jared Sullinger a close friend and consulted him on the move. He recently told reporters that his parents are also the biggest OSU basketball fans ever.

Next year at Center for Ohio State will feature EJ Liddell and Ibrahima Diallo with Kaleb Wesson leaving for the Pros.

And with Andre Wesson graduating, Ohio State needs a replacement and that will either be Towns or Justice Sueing, who transferred from Cal two years ago and sat out last season. Both positions need depth and having one more forward in locker-room is helpful.

Seth Towns is a SPECIAL TALENT | Harvard Crimson | Next Ones | 2017 -2018 Highlights

The pedigree of high school basketball is getting more and more potent over the years, and schools are cramming more than ever to recruit a young athlete whom they think will fit their system. One of the players that stands out above the rest is Malaki Branham, a four star high school basketball player from St. Vincent-St. Mary HS in Akron (which is the exact school LeBron James came from) whose size, length and motor for a guard is already making schools salivate.

What Malaki Branham Offers

Easily one of the nation's top 40 college prospects, Malaki Branham is towering over his high school adversaries with a height of 6'4 and weighs in more than 190 pounds and is very quick and agile for his size. His length adds a different dimension to his game to help him contour his way inside the the other teams defense and sky over them. This helps him as well defensively to guard the passing lanes and disturb shots. But like all prospects, the kid needs guidance from a school and a coach to hone his skills on the college level where the competition kicks up a notch.

Offers and The Ohio State Buckeyes

Recently, a handful of teams already reached out to Malaki to offer him a scholarship to join their respective team. They are aware of the impressive build, skillset and work ethic this kid has. Duquesne and Akron has sent out their offers as well as Miami (Ohio) and Ohio University to try their luck in snagging the prized athlete. Though there is one major program who had offered Malaki a scholarship that is making headlines today, the Ohio State Buckeyes which already made deals with Kalen Etzler, the first 2021 recruit and Justin Sueing, a transfer. But unlike Etzler who decided right away to commit to Ohio State the same day he was offered the scholarship, Malaki Branham wants to sit down and look at his options.

If ever Malaki ultimately chooses the Buckeyes, he'll be parading the team with Etzler and potentially fellow four-star recruit Keon Johnson and will form instantly a formidable lineup for the Ohio State.