Picture a 6-foot-10 Nigerian youngster who didn't pick up a basketball until he was 13, after two years of kicking a soccer ball around, getting ready for his debut as an Ohio State Buckeye in 2025. That is Josh Ojianwuna, ex-Baylor big man, and he's boarding the plane with his trademark high energy, relentless rebounding, and a hustle-bustle heart to join the Buckeyes. On May 7, 2025, Josh went official with his move to Columbus, and Buckeye fans are eagerly waiting. It isn't a roster move—it's a tribute to grit, development, and a man chasing his dreams in a new community.

From Baylor to Buckeye: Josh’s Journey

Josh’s three years at Baylor were like a coming-of-age movie. He started as a bench sparkplug, a raw talent with a knack for dunking anything near the rim. By his junior year in 2024-25, he was a starter, owning the paint with 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds a game in 23 starts. The dude was a walking highlight reel, shooting an unreal 77.4% from the field—mostly thunderous dunks and gritty putbacks. If he’d taken enough shots to qualify, he’d have topped the nation’s shooting charts. One game against Arizona State, he went off for 12 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, showing he could dominate on both ends.
But life threw a curveball. On February 8, 2025, a knee injury against UCF cut his season short, requiring surgery and sidelining him for Baylor’s stretch run. It was a tough blow for a guy who’d worked so hard to carve out his role. Still, Josh didn’t sulk. He hit the transfer portal, looking for a fresh start, and Ohio State felt like the perfect fit. As he told The Columbus Dispatch, chats with Buckeye big man Christoph Tilly and former OSU star E.J. Liddell sealed the deal. They raved about the program’s family vibe and Coach Jake Diebler’s vision for a tough, versatile frontcourt. For Josh, it was a chance to keep growing—and maybe dunk on some Big Ten rivals.

Why Ohio State Needs Josh

Let’s be real: Ohio State’s frontcourt needed a boost. After losing Aaron Bradshaw to Memphis and Sean Stewart to the portal, the Buckeyes got pushed around in the paint last season. Rebounding was a struggle, and they lacked the muscle to match the Big Ten’s bruising bigs. Enter Josh, a 230-pound force who crashes the boards like it’s his job and finishes lobs with authority. He’s the fourth transfer to join OSU this spring, alongside Santa Clara’s Christoph Tilly, Wright State’s Brandon Noel, and Indiana’s Gabe Cupps. Together, they’re giving Diebler’s squad a new edge.
Josh’s game is all about the little things that win big games. He’s not out there launching threes or hunting highlight plays—he’s battling for rebounds, swatting shots, and turning missed shots into easy buckets. NBA Draft Room called him a “big man who does all the dirty work,” and that’s exactly what Ohio State craves. Whether he’s starting next to Tilly or coming off the bench to spell him, Josh’s energy is going to make life miserable for opponents.

The Road Back from Injury

Here’s the thing: Josh’s knee injury is still a question mark. He’s been grinding through rehab, but there’s no firm timeline on when he’ll be 100%. Ohio State’s staff is playing it smart, giving him time to heal and even floating the idea of a redshirt year if he needs it. With the NCAA possibly tweaking rules to allow a fifth year of eligibility, there’s wiggle room for Josh to take his time. Buckeye fans are crossing their fingers he’ll be ready to roll by November 2025, bringing that Baylor swagger to Value City Arena.

From Nigeria to Columbus: A Personal Story

Josh’s path to Ohio State is straight-up inspiring. Born in Asaba, Nigeria, he grew up playing soccer until a basketball coach spotted his height and begged him to try hoops. On his second day of practice, he threw down a dunk, and just like that, a star was born. He honed his game at NBA Academy Africa and later at the NBA Global Academy in Australia, catching the eye of scouts as a top-150 recruit in 2022. At Baylor, he wore number 17 to honor his dad, who passed away in 2017—a quiet reminder of the personal drive behind his game.
Now, in Columbus, Josh is writing the next chapter. He’s not just here to fill a roster spot; he’s chasing a legacy. Some draft analysts saw him as a second-round NBA pick before his injury, and a big year at Ohio State could put him back on that radar. More than that, he’s got a chance to help a hungry Buckeye team make noise in the Big Ten and maybe even crash the NCAA Tournament.

Buckeye Nation’s New Favorite Big Man

The vibe on X is electric. Fans and insiders like @OSUHoopsInsider and @TheSchottPod are hyping Josh as the “missing piece” for Ohio State’s frontcourt. They love his hustle, his efficiency, and the fact that he plays like he’s got something to prove. Sure, there are challenges—blending a roster with multiple transfers isn’t easy, and Josh’s health is a wildcard. The Buckeyes might still add another piece, with Texas Tech’s Darion Williams rumored to be on their radar. But for now, Josh’s commitment feels like a game-changer.
Imagine the scene: it’s a packed house at the Schott, Ohio State’s battling a Big Ten heavyweight, and Josh soars for a putback dunk that shakes the rim. That’s the energy he’s bringing. From a soccer kid in Nigeria to a Baylor standout to a Buckeye on a mission, Josh Ojianwuna’s story is one to root for. Here’s to him lighting up Columbus in 2025—and maybe throwing down a few more dunks along the way.

Columbus, Ohio - The Ohio State Buckeyes pulled off what many described as the biggest upset this season in college basketball, topping the No. 11 Purdue Boilermakers 73-69 in an electric matchup at the Schottenstein Center. This win also snapped a three-game losing streak for Ohio State and sent a ripple throughout the Big Ten conference.

Game Recap

It was a tight game from the opening tip, neither side giving an inch as both sides flexed their muscles on either end of the hardwood. Still, it was Ohio State-under the trust of acting head coach Jake Diebler-that conducted the virtuous second-half comeback.

The Buckeyes were at one point down seven before junior guard Micah Parrish took over, scoring 21 points on the night including a number of clutch shots down the stretch. Bruce Thornton added 19 more and brought his typical defense against a star-studded Purdue lineup.

Key Moments

Second-Half Surge: Ohio State came out with a renewed sense of urgency to start the second half, erasing the lead built by the Boilermakers rather quickly after it took just a 10-2 opening run for the Buckeyes to get all the momentum they needed. Pivotal Plays: With the game on the line, Parrish nailed a crucial three-pointer with just over a minute left to give Ohio State the lead. That was followed by a defensive stand where the Buckeyes forced a key turnover from Purdue.
Bench Contribution: Huge for the team came off the bench and was sophomore forward Devin Royal, who had 16 points and six rebounds. He did give that boost in some very critical moments during the second half of the game. Along with him, quality time from junior guard Ques Glover and sophomore center Austin Parks kept defensive intensity and ball rotation together at rest time for starters. Their efforts, though not necessarily reflected in the box score, were vital in sustaining their momentum. This performance by the bench underlined Ohio State's depth and toughness, key players in overcoming a top-ranked opponent like Purdue.

Coaching Effect

Interim head coach Jake Diebler, cast into the post following Chris Holtmann's departure, has been one under scrutiny lately, but this game showcased his leadership acumen and teaching. Accountability and leadership from his players were echoed by Diebler on and off the court. He praised the team's resilience and focus, stating, "This win is a testament to these young men's character. They've been through a lot, and tonight, they showed what they're capable of."

Purdue's View

The defeat snapped a 26-game home winning streak, pointing out some frailties that further opponents may want to take advantage of. But even in defeat, Purdue is in a very good position at 15-5 overall and 7-2 in Big Ten play. It was an important lesson that showed the Boilermakers how to keep up the consistency with its defense and resiliency. As Coach Matt Painter says, there are some key areas that need improvement so this doesn't happen again. Now, the question will be how well Purdue can review this loss and move on from it. How well they can keep their focus and adaptability will determine their trajectory in the highly competitive Big Ten conference. The loss, though impactful, offers a chance for growth as the Boilermakers strive to achieve their season objectives.

Buckeye nation can rejoice once again. The 7-foot-1 center, Aaron Bradshaw, is back with Ohio State men's basketball after his time away from the team. After an unspecified university investigation, Bradshaw has been working on a comeback trail and now is ready to go on the hardwood.

A Welcome Return

The Buckeyes couldn't ask for a better time for Bradshaw to return. He is a huge addition to the team both defensively and on the glass for Ohio State. Bradshaw, in the scant games that he has played this season, has averaged 7.8 points per game with 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. His protection at the rim and finishing at the rim will be huge as the Buckeyes try to fully navigate their remaining schedule.

Overcoming Adversity

Despite setbacks that Bradshaw has had to work through during his time away, he has proven resilient and determined in getting back on the court. "We are confident that Dan will quickly adjust back into the lineup and become an impactful contributor for us, as he was a season ago," Head Coach Jake Diebler said. The coaching staff will work closely with Bradshaw in getting him back transitioned into game shape.

Looking Ahead

With Bradshaw back in the fold, Buckeye fans can anticipate a very exciting second half of the season. His coming back not only strengthens the rosters but also gives his co-players a morale boost. As Ohio State rolls along through the Big Ten into whatever destination beyond, Bradshaw will be one of many players who will play leading roles in their success.

It's time for Buckeye Nation to rally around Aaron Bradshaw and the Ohio State men's basketball team in pursuit of greatness on the court. Let's go support and cheer them onto victory!

Eric Reibe, a 7-foot, 235-pound big man from The Bullis School (Md.), is currently being heavily recruited by several college basketball programs. Here are the schools showing interest in him:

1. Ohio State: Reibe recently visited Ohio State and spent time with lead recruiter Jack Owens. The coaching staff believes he would be valuable to the program due to his size, versatility, and shooting ability¹.
2. Oregon
3. Creighton
4. Mississippi State
5. Providence
6. Georgetown
7. Iowa
8. Villanova
9. Michigan

In addition, Reibe made official visits to Harvard and Iowa, as well as unofficial visits to Ohio State, Georgetown Maryland, Virginia Tech and UVA. Although commitment isn’t forthcoming, Reibe is looking for a program where he can play to his potential, develop offensively and defensively, and consider academics. Check out his selection as he considers his options!

Eric Reibe, a 7-foot, 235-pound big man from The Bullis School (Md.), has several key strengths that make him an intriguing prospect for college basketball programs:

1. Size and Length: Reibe's height and wingspan give him an advantage in rebounding, shot-blocking, and altering opponents' shots near the rim. His presence in the paint can disrupt opposing offenses.

2. Versatility: Despite his size, Reibe is not limited to playing solely in the low post. He has shown the ability to step out and shoot mid-range jumpers, which adds versatility to his offensive game.

3. Shooting Touch: Reibe's shooting stroke is smooth, and he has the potential to develop into a reliable outside shooter. His touch around the basket and ability to finish with either hand are assets.

4. Defensive Awareness: Reibe understands defensive rotations, positioning, and timing. His shot-blocking instincts and rim protection contribute to his overall defensive impact.

5. Rebounding: With his size and timing, Reibe can be a force on the boards. Offensive rebounds lead to second-chances, and defensive rebounds help limit opportunities.

6. Work Ethic and Coachability: Coaches appreciate Reibe's commitment to improving his game. His eagerness to adapt and learn bodes well for his development.

Stay tuned to Eric Reibe as he continues to refine his skills and explore his college options!

High school ball season might be wrapping up, but for Ohio State's future, it's just getting started. They landed a commitment from Marcus Johnson, a baller who's been turning heads everywhere. This Cleveland kid isn't just another high school hotshot – he's a huge win for the Buckeyes, who are itching to get back to their championship ways.

From Garfield Heights to Buckeye Nation

Marcus staying in-state to play college ball is a big deal. This 6-foot-1 point guard with a deadly shot and slick run shined all over Ohio. Ranked as one of the top 25 players in the nation, his decision to join the Buckeyes shows how much the program has evolved for him and is also a huge win for Coach Diebler

A Family Affair

Basketball is a family thing for the Johnsons, and Marcus's choice to be a Buckeye goes beyond just the program's reputation. His cousin Meechie already blazed that trail, making Marcus's commitment even more special. It's a story about family just as much as it is about hoops.

The Diebler Effect

Coach Diebler has totally changed the game for the Buckeyes. From how he recruits to his plans for the team, everything he does feels fresh. Plus, he connects with players like Johnson on a whole other level. It's obvious Diebler isn't just building a team, he's building a whole family, and Marcus is pumped to be part of it.

Looking Ahead

With Johnson's commitment, the future looks bright for Ohio State. The young guard's talent and potential are a perfect fit for Diebler's system, promising exciting times ahead for Buckeye fans. As Johnson prepares to take his game to the collegiate level, Ohio State waits with bated breath, ready to cheer on their new star.

In the end, Marcus Johnson's story is more than just about basketball. It's about home, family, and the promise of what's to come. And for Ohio State, that promise has never looked brighter.

The Ohio State women's 2024 basketball team has secured the Big Ten regular season championship, finishing a season marked by resilience and dominance. This title is the program's first outright regular season championship since 2010. They pulled it off and are now the Big Ten champs! It's like, totally official. If you thought this team was done serving up awesome basketball moments, well, you were wrong.

A Season of Resilience

This achievement follows a challenging journey characterized by close contests, clutch moments, and unexpected turns. However, Head Coach Kevin McGuff's team persevered, leaving their opponents behind and etching their names in program history.

Jacy Sheldon: A Leading Force

Jacy Sheldon was straight-up fire this season. She was dropping three-pointers like it was nothing, and her moves left defenders in the dust. Her 22-point game against Michigan basically sealed the deal for the championship – total legend status.

Undefeated in the New Year

The new year brought a whole new level for the Buckeyes. They've been absolutely crushing it since January, winning 15 games straight! Talk about momentum. Their last loss was way back in December, and they haven't looked back since.

Securing the Title

With the regular season concluding, the Buckeyes have established an unassailable lead in the Big Ten conference standings. Their victory effectively shuts the door on any remaining challengers, leaving rivals like Iowa and Indiana to witness their triumph. This accomplishment is met with resounding cheers and the iconic "O-H-I-O!" chant echoing within the Schottenstein Center.

National Recognition

Their awesome play didn't go unnoticed. They're killing it with a 25-3 record and a sweet spot at number two in the AP Poll. The whole country's got their eyes on Columbus right now, and the Buckeyes are ready to shine.

Looking Forward

The quest for glory continues as the Buckeyes set their sights on the postseason. Their ambition extends beyond the conference championship, as they strive for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The basketball world should brace itself for the arrival of a hungry and determined Ohio State team, poised to make a significant mark in March Madness.

A Toast to the Champions

Here's to the Ohio State women's basketball team – a bunch of total badasses who just showed everyone what they've got. They broke records, made history, and never stopped fighting. Let's hope they keep those sneakers squeaking and those shots falling!

Ohio State Basketball has added Brandon Bailey to their coaching staff as a new assistant coach. Learn more about his background and what he brings to the team.

Ohio State Basketball has added a new assistant coach to their roster with the hire of Brandon Bailey. Bailey joins the club with a plethora of expertise and knowledge, having previously worked with several great college basketball programs. Bailey has coached in the NBA for almost a decade. He is now an assistant coach on Chris Holtmann's staff at Ohio State. Learn more about his background and the contributions he can make to the Buckeyes.

Who is Brandon Bailey?

Brandon Bailey is the newest addition to the Ohio State Basketball coaching staff, joining as an assistant coach. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously worked with successful college basketball programs such as Loyola Marymount, San Diego State, and most recently, the University of San Francisco. Bailey is known for his ability to develop players and his strong recruiting skills, which will be valuable assets to the Buckeyes.

What is his coaching background?

Brandon Bailey has an impressive coaching background, having worked with successful college basketball programs for over a decade. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Loyola Marymount before moving on to assistant coaching positions at San Diego State and the University of San Francisco. Bailey is known for his ability to develop players and his strong recruiting skills, which will be valuable assets to the Ohio State Basketball team.

What will be his role on the Ohio State Basketball coaching staff?

As the new assistant coach for Ohio State Basketball, Brandon Bailey will be responsible for player development and recruiting. He will work closely with head coach Chris Holtmann and the rest of the coaching staff to help the team reach its full potential. Bailey's experience and skills make him a valuable addition to the team and fans are excited to see what he will bring to the program.

How will his addition benefit the team?

Brandon Bailey's addition to the Ohio State Basketball coaching staff is expected to benefit the team in many ways. With his experience in player development and recruiting, he will be able to help the team identify and recruit top talent. He will also work closely with the players to help them improve their skills and reach their full potential. Fans are excited to see how his expertise will contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.

Eugene Brown III's transfer portal decision has left Ohio State basketball fans with questions. Get the answers you need in this detailed analysis.

Ohio State basketball fans were surprised when Eugene Brown III announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. This move has left many wondering what it means for the team's future and how it will impact their upcoming season. In this analysis, we'll take a closer look at Brown's decision and what it could mean for Ohio State basketball.

Who is Eugene Brown III?

Eugene Brown III is a 6'6" shooting guard from Decatur, Georgia. He was a four-star recruit and the No. 100 overall player in the class of 2020, according to 247Sports. Brown committed to Ohio State in September 2019 and played in 29 games for the Buckeyes during his freshman season, averaging 1.2 points and 1.28 rebounds per game.

Why did he enter the transfer portal?

While there is a twitter post from Eugene Brown III and no official statement from Ohio State basketball, it is speculated that Brown entered the transfer portal to seek more playing time and a larger role on a team. With the Buckeyes bringing in several highly-touted recruits for the upcoming season, Brown may have felt that his opportunities for significant playing time would be limited. Additionally, with the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility to all players due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown may have wanted to explore other options for his future.

What are his potential landing spots?

It is still unclear where Eugene Brown III will end up after entering the transfer portal. However, there are several potential landing spots that have been speculated by fans and analysts. Some have suggested that he may transfer to a mid-major program where he could have a larger role and more playing time. Others have speculated that he may transfer to a school closer to his hometown in Georgia. Only time will tell where Brown will ultimately end up, but his decision has certainly left Ohio State basketball fans with plenty of questions.

How will his departure impact Ohio State basketball?

Eugene Brown III's departure from Ohio State basketball will certainly have an impact on the team. Brown was a key contributor off the bench last season, averaging 2.18 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. His departure leaves a hole in the team's depth at the wing position. However, Ohio State has a strong recruiting class coming in and several returning players who will be looking to step up and fill the void. It will be interesting to see how the team adjusts and evolves without Brown on the roster.

Zed Key Needs Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery, Having Major Effect on Ohio State Basketball

It's a sad day for the Ohio State faithful, as it has been confirmed that forward Zed Key will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Get the full story here!

It was confirmed today that Ohio State forward Zed Key will miss the rest of the regular season after having to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The news comes as a major blow for the Buckeyes, who rely on Key's contributions in order to compete at their highest potential.

Get the Details on Zed Key's Injury.

Wednesday morning Ohio State's head coach Chris Holtmann revealed that forward Zed Key had sustained a shoulder injury, and will miss the remainder of the 2023 season. Key will undergo surgery at an unspecified time to repair a strained labrum in his shoulder, and is expected to make a full recovery in five months. He is set to begin his rehabilitation process immediately and the Ohio State front office expects him to be fully healthy ahead of next season.

Ohio State's Response to Losing Key.

The Ohio State coaching staff is deeply saddened by the news that Key will miss the remainder of the season, but are doing their best to remain focused on winning games. The team is already working to adjust their offensive and defensive schemes to better adapt to the absence of Key. While the loss of a key contributor will certainly hurt them, they are determined not to allow it to derail their goals for this season.

What to Expect from the Buckeyes Moving Forward.

Without Key's size and presence in the middle of the paint, it is likely that the team will shift to a more perimeter-oriented approach on offense. This move should create more open looks from beyond the arc and allow his teammates to better display their sharpshooting accuracy. On defense, the team will have to adjust from a post-oriented scheme to more of an aggressive perimeter stance as they look to limit opponents’ outside looks and make them take contested shots.

Potential Implications for the Rest of Their Season.

While the news of Key's injury has certainly been devastating to Ohio State's hopes for a turn-around, there are ways in which the team can look to offset their losses. Playing different lineups and adjusting their style of play accordingly could help take away some of the sting from his absence. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for reserves like Eugene Brown III and Felix Okpara to get more playing time if needed. It will be essential for the Buckeyes to continue improving through the final stretch of Big Ten play and adjust to the new circumstances of competing without Key if they want to make their case for a NIT bid come March.

In Ohio State's match-up with Iowa, center Zed Key left the game twice due to his shoulder injury and was unable to return. Read more about this devastating set back for the Buckeyes.

In a heartbreaking match-up against Iowa, the Ohio State Buckeyes suffered a major blow as center Zed Key left the game twice due to a shoulder injury and was unable to return. His absence from the court left his team devastated as they attempted to battle through without him in their line-up. Read more here about this tragic setback for Ohio State.

What is the Extent of Zed Key’s Injury?

While the full extent of Zed Key’s injury is still unknown, it has been reported that he suffered a dislocated right shoulder. He left the court in the first half after attempting to fight for a rebound, then returned later briefly before exiting again and was unable to return. Relief players filled in on the court but Ohio State will miss Zed's physical presence and leadership on the court.

How Could This Affect the Remainder of the Season?

The loss of Zed Key is a huge setback for the Ohio State basketball team. With Key out, the Buckeyes will have to rely on other players to fill in his role as leader. This could put more pressure on other players and affect team morale if they are unable to find an adequate replacement. Key was also one of the best physical presences on the court, so Ohio State may need to adjust their game plan going forward to make up for his absence.

Who Could Step Up And Fill Key’s Role?

With Key likely out for for some time, it is unclear who will be able to take his place on the court and fill his role as leader. There are several contenders for this position, including Eugene Brown and Felix Okpara, all of whom have seen more minutes recently in Key’s absence. Neither of them can replace Key’s physical presence on the court but if any of these players can step up into a larger role it could help alleviate some of the pressure due to his absence.

Eugene Brown III is a 6'7" forward from Conyers, Georgia who is currently playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and was ranked among the top 150 recruits in the country by ESPN. He played 29 games his freshman season, and earned Academic All-Big Ten during his sophomore campaign. Brown averaged 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his second year of action. He shot 44.2 percent from the floor. Brown has the potential to become a key player for the Buckeyes if Zed Key is out for some time.

Felix Okpara, a freshman center, currently playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes also filed in for Key. He is a 6'11" center from Nigeria who was rated as a four-star recruit by 247 Sports. Okpara has been an impact player in his first year at Ohio State, averaging 3.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1 block per game. He has also been a key part of the Buckeyes' defense. Okpara is a great all-around player who can play both inside and outside and has the potential to be an important piece of the Buckeyes' success in the years to come.

Is There Hope For The Buckeyes To Still Succeed In The Postseason?

Despite suffering a heartbreaking exit from the Ohio State-Iowa match due to Key’s shoulder injury, the Buckeyes still have plenty of reason to be hopeful for postseason success. While his absence is a major blow, there appears to be several players who can help fill in for what Key brought to the team. If these players can step up and contribute, then there is still hope that the Buckeyes will have strong enough performances in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and NIT Tournament to make a run into March Madness.