The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team has become a cornerstone of the Big Ten Conference. With a storied history, a wealth of talented players, and a fervent fanbase, the Buckeyes always seem to be in the mix when it comes to conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. However, for Ohio State to remain competitive at the highest level of college basketball, the team must constantly evolve. This includes filling key roster spots, adapting to changing competition, and adding players that complement their existing talent.
As of the 2024-2025 season, Ohio State is in a position where they are looking for a major addition to their roster to bolster their chances of competing at the top of the Big Ten Conference and potentially making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. One area of significant concern for the Buckeyes has been the center position. Despite having a solid roster, Ohio State has often struggled in the paint, both offensively and defensively. The Buckeyes need a dominant presence down low, a player who can change the dynamics of their offense and defense and provide leadership to a team full of young players and upperclassmen alike. This is where the interest in a Big Ten transfer center comes into play.
In this article, we’ll explore the details surrounding Ohio State’s interest in a Big Ten transfer center, why they need such a player, and what the potential implications are for the team and the broader Big Ten Conference.
The Importance of the Center Position in Modern College Basketball
In today’s game, the role of the center has evolved significantly. In years past, a center was often tasked with being a traditional big man who dominated the post, grabbed rebounds, and protected the rim. While that archetype still exists in some programs, many modern centers are versatile, athletic players who can stretch the floor, guard multiple positions, and contribute both offensively and defensively in various ways.
For Ohio State, finding a center who can do all of this is critical. In the past few seasons, the team has struggled with consistency at the center position. With a number of talented forwards and guards, including standout players who can shoot from the perimeter, the lack of a reliable center has often left the Buckeyes vulnerable against other teams with strong post players.
Moreover, the Big Ten Conference, known for its physical style of play, is full of teams with dominant big men. From Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson (now at Kansas) to Purdue’s Zach Edey, the Big Ten has produced some of the best centers in the country. To compete with teams like these, Ohio State must find a way to match up with such powerful, dominant players, which is why bringing in a Big Ten transfer center could be the key to their success.
Ohio State’s Recent Struggles at Center
Ohio State’s performance at the center position in recent years has been inconsistent. While they have had some talented big men, the program has been plagued by injury issues, lack of development, and players who didn’t fit in with the team’s style of play.
For instance, in the 2023-2024 season, the Buckeyes were forced to rely on a combination of forwards and centers, but no player stood out as a consistent force down low. Some players showed potential but struggled with foul trouble or consistency, leaving Ohio State vulnerable in the paint. A lack of interior scoring also hurt the team, as opposing defenses were able to collapse on the Buckeyes’ perimeter players without worrying about a dominant big man in the middle.
The team has tried to work with what they had, but the results were often underwhelming. This has been a point of focus for Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann, who has acknowledged that the Buckeyes need an upgrade in the frontcourt. Holtmann has made it clear that the team is actively pursuing a center who can anchor the defense, provide scoring inside, and give the team a more well-rounded offensive attack.
The Big Ten Transfer Portal and the Current Landscape
With the NCAA transfer portal now a fixture in college basketball, programs across the country, including Ohio State, are able to tap into a wealth of talent. The portal has become an essential tool for coaches looking to quickly improve their rosters, especially for teams that are in need of a specific player to fill a void, such as Ohio State’s need for a center.
The Big Ten, being one of the top conferences in the country, has produced a number of strong centers who have since entered the transfer portal or graduated. Ohio State’s pursuit of a Big Ten transfer center is logical, as the Buckeyes would be able to acquire a player who is already accustomed to the physicality and style of play in one of the toughest basketball leagues in the nation.
In addition, players transferring within the conference may be more likely to find success, as they are familiar with the competition, the travel schedules, and the conference’s overall style of play. Ohio State, in particular, has been known to attract high-caliber transfers, and there is no reason to believe that they won’t be successful in their quest to land a Big Ten center via the portal.
Key Transfer Targets for Ohio State
Several players have entered the transfer portal from Big Ten schools who would be ideal targets for Ohio State. Let’s take a look at a few of these players and why they would be great fits for the Buckeyes.
1. Tarris Reed Jr. (Michigan)
Tarris Reed Jr. is a 6’9” center who has shown considerable potential during his time at Michigan. Although he didn’t get a chance to start every game, Reed demonstrated the ability to dominate the paint, both offensively and defensively. He’s a big, physical player who can rebound effectively and protect the rim. Reed also has the potential to contribute offensively, with a soft touch around the basket.
For Ohio State, Reed would bring the much-needed interior presence that the team has lacked in recent seasons. His size and ability to block shots would help strengthen the Buckeyes’ defense, while his scoring ability would give them another dimension in the low post. As a transfer from Michigan, Reed would also be well-acquainted with the style of play in the Big Ten, giving him a strong foundation to contribute immediately.
2. Cliff Omoruyi (Rutgers)
Cliff Omoruyi is one of the most dominant centers in the Big Ten, and his decision to enter the transfer portal has turned heads across the country. Standing at 6’11”, Omoruyi is a physical force in the paint, capable of both scoring and grabbing rebounds at an elite level. He has the ability to change the game with his shot-blocking and can alter the course of a game with his defensive presence.
For Ohio State, Omoruyi would be a game-changer. His size and athleticism would allow him to compete against the elite big men in the Big Ten, such as Purdue’s Zach Edey. Additionally, his scoring ability would give Ohio State a strong offensive weapon down low, allowing them to better compete against teams with dominant post players.
3. Jalen Washington (Northwestern)
Jalen Washington is a versatile center who has the ability to both stretch the floor and dominate in the paint. While he’s known for his ability to shoot the ball from the outside, Washington’s inside game is what truly stands out. He has a strong post game and can finish with both hands around the basket.
For Ohio State, Washington would bring a versatile scoring option, something the team has desperately needed. His ability to stretch the floor would open up space for the Buckeyes’ shooters on the perimeter and allow them to play a more modern style of basketball. Additionally, Washington’s length and rebounding ability would help shore up Ohio State’s defense.
How the Big Ten Transfer Center Could Impact Ohio State’s Success
Adding a Big Ten transfer center could have significant implications for Ohio State, both in terms of immediate performance and long-term success. Let’s break down the potential impact.
1. Improved Interior Defense and Rebounding
One of the biggest advantages of bringing in a Big Ten transfer center is the immediate improvement in defense. A player like Reed, Omoruyi, or Washington would provide much-needed rim protection, preventing opposing teams from easily scoring in the paint. Additionally, the Buckeyes would benefit from a stronger presence on the boards, particularly in terms of offensive and defensive rebounds.
2. Increased Offensive Flexibility
A dominant center would also open up more offensive options for Ohio State. Instead of relying so heavily on perimeter players, the Buckeyes would have the option of throwing the ball down low to a post player who can either score or draw defenders, opening up shooting opportunities for other players. This added versatility would make Ohio State’s offense much more difficult to defend.
3. Enhanced Leadership and Experience
Many of the Big Ten transfer centers available come with significant experience at the highest level. This experience would be invaluable for Ohio State, as it would help provide leadership on the floor. These players have already faced top-tier competition, and their ability to perform under pressure would help elevate the play of their teammates.
4. Increased Competitiveness in the Big Ten
The Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences in the country, with several teams boasting elite-level big men. By adding a talented center, Ohio State would improve its chances of competing against programs like Purdue, Michigan, and Indiana, all of which have dominant post players. This would make Ohio State more competitive in both the regular season and the postseason.
As Ohio State looks to strengthen its roster heading into the 2024-2025 season, adding a Big Ten transfer center could be the key to their success. With a team that already boasts a wealth of talented players, a dominant big man would give the Buckeyes the interior presence they have lacked in recent seasons. Whether it’s Tarris Reed Jr., Cliff Omoruyi, or Jalen Washington, a Big Ten transfer center would have a significant impact on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.
For Ohio State, the addition of a center could make them a more complete team, one capable of competing at the highest levels of the Big Ten and beyond. As the Buckeyes continue their pursuit of a transfer center, all eyes will be on how this move could shape the team’s future.
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