Ohio State Buckeyes’ Men’s Basketball Transfer Portal Roundup
As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team, under the leadership of head coach Chris Holtmann, has been active in the transfer portal, making key additions to strengthen their roster. With the ever-increasing influence of the transfer portal in modern college basketball, Ohio State has sought to address weaknesses, add depth, and infuse talent into a squad that is eager to return to prominence in the Big Ten and beyond. Here’s an in-depth look at the notable transfers coming into the Ohio State program, the players they’re replacing, and what they bring to the table.
The Transfer Portal Landscape
The NCAA’s transfer portal has transformed the way college basketball teams build their rosters, allowing programs to reload quickly in ways they couldn’t before. For Ohio State, this has become an essential avenue to enhance its lineup, especially after a difficult 2023-24 season that saw the Buckeyes finish 11th in the Big Ten, marking one of their worst finishes in recent memory. Holtmann, now in his seventh season as the program’s head coach, is under pressure to not only retain his current roster but also to recruit players capable of making an immediate impact.
Key Additions
1. Sean Jones (Point Guard, Transfer from Toledo)
Perhaps the most significant addition to the Buckeyes’ roster is 5’11” point guard Sean Jones, who transfers from Toledo. Jones was one of the best players in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2023-24 season, earning All-MAC honors after averaging 16.4 points and 4.3 assists per game. His ability to control the tempo of the game, facilitate for teammates, and create his own shot will be invaluable for Ohio State as they look to improve their playmaking and offensive flow.
Jones’ speed and quickness are key attributes that should allow him to provide immediate help in Ohio State’s backcourt. The Buckeyes have struggled with consistency at the point guard position in recent seasons, and Jones will be expected to stabilize that spot. His high basketball IQ and leadership will also be crucial as he adapts to the Big Ten’s competitive environment. Ohio State fans are hoping he will be a dynamic playmaker who can set the tone both offensively and defensively.
2. Tamar Bates (Guard, Transfer from Indiana)
Tamar Bates, a 6’5” shooting guard who spent the last two seasons at Indiana, has also committed to Ohio State. Bates has had an up-and-down career with the Hoosiers, but he brings valuable experience to the Buckeyes. He averaged 7.0 points per game in the 2023-24 season and shot 38.5% from beyond the arc. Known for his scoring ability and athleticism, Bates will add another dimension to Ohio State’s backcourt by providing perimeter shooting and the ability to attack the rim.
Bates’ versatility is another reason he is such a critical pickup for Ohio State. His ability to play both on and off the ball gives coach Holtmann the flexibility to experiment with different lineups. With a more prominent role at Ohio State, Bates could have a breakout season and be a major contributor on both ends of the floor. The Buckeyes have struggled with three-point shooting at times in recent years, and Bates’ addition could address that weakness.
3. Olivier Nkamhoua (Forward, Transfer from Tennessee)
Olivier Nkamhoua, a 6’9” forward who transferred from the University of Tennessee, brings both size and experience to the frontcourt. Nkamhoua has been a reliable contributor for the Vols, averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season. He has proven to be an efficient scorer, shooting 52% from the field, and has the ability to stretch the floor with a decent mid-range game.
Nkamhoua’s presence should bolster Ohio State’s rebounding and provide some much-needed physicality in the paint. His size and skill set allow him to be an inside scorer while also stepping out to hit mid-range jump shots or even stretch the defense with occasional three-pointers. He also adds depth to a forward position that was thin last season and could be a key piece in Ohio State’s efforts to improve their overall defense and rebounding.
4. DaRon Holmes II (Forward, Transfer from Dayton)
One of the most anticipated transfer portal additions is DaRon Holmes II, a 6’9” forward who played two seasons at Dayton. Holmes is an elite-level talent who was one of the top players in the Atlantic 10, earning first-team All-Conference honors in 2023. He brings an outstanding combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and shot-blocking skills. Holmes averaged 17.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game during his final season with the Flyers, establishing himself as one of the top forwards in the country.
Holmes will provide Ohio State with a dominant force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. His ability to finish around the rim, rebound, and defend multiple positions gives Holtmann a versatile piece to work with. Whether he plays as a stretch forward or a more traditional post player, Holmes’ size and talent will make him a matchup nightmare for opponents. His arrival is expected to significantly improve Ohio State’s frontcourt, which struggled to be consistent in the past.
Departures
Ohio State’s transfer portal activity has been driven, in part, by the departures of several key players from last season’s roster. These losses have created openings that these new transfers will look to fill.
- Brice Sensabaugh, who declared for the 2024 NBA Draft after a stellar freshman season, was a huge loss for the Buckeyes. Sensabaugh was Ohio State’s top scorer in 2023-24, averaging 16.3 points per game and showing a remarkable ability to create his own shot. His absence leaves a significant void in the scoring department.
- Roddy Gayle Jr. and Justice Sueing, both of whom entered the transfer portal after expressing uncertainty about their roles for the upcoming season, also took with them experience and leadership. Their departures leave a gap in the backcourt and forward positions, but their absences have created opportunities for the new transfers to step in.
- Zed Key, a key figure in the frontcourt over the past few years, transferred to another program as well. While Key’s presence in the post will be missed, Nkamhoua and Holmes are expected to fill those minutes effectively.
Looking Ahead
With the additions of Sean Jones, Tamar Bates, Olivier Nkamhoua, and DaRon Holmes II, Ohio State has positioned itself for a much-improved 2024-25 season. The Buckeyes have added key pieces at virtually every position, addressing the team’s biggest weaknesses from the previous year.
The combination of talented transfers, experienced returnees, and a new sense of optimism under coach Holtmann should provide Ohio State with the necessary tools to compete in the competitive Big Ten Conference. If these transfers can mesh well with the existing roster and gel quickly on the court, Ohio State could find itself back in the NCAA Tournament hunt.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their 2024-25 campaign, the key to their success will be their ability to develop chemistry and find consistency on both ends of the floor. If they can unlock the potential of their new transfers, Ohio State has the opportunity to not only reclaim its spot among the conference’s elite but also to make noise on the national stage once again.
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