Ohio State will have to make some tough decisions on playing time with what is now a fully available roster for the first time this season.
Ohio State's Bruce Thornton and Tanner Holden speak after a Dec. 29, 2022 win against Alabama A&M.. When Ohio State opens a run of 19 straight Big Ten games with a New Year’s Day date at Northwestern, coach Chris Holtmann will have all 12 scholarship players at his disposal and seemingly without restriction.
“Our team was really happy for and Gene to be back,” Holtmann said. “Now the challenge is, and I’m going to need patience from our team because we can’t play 11 guys, so we’re going to need to figure that out because you can’t play 11 guys.”before having to take a leave of absence from the team to deal with a personal situation back home in Texas. When he left, Likekele was playing 27.5 minutes per game as a small-ball forward as well as backup point guard to freshman Bruce Thornton.
“Ice is such a big part of our team on the floor, off the floor, vocally, his leadership is great,” he said. “People stepping into different roles has really helped us grow. Bruce playing a lot of big minutes in a lot of big games will help him grow for the Big Ten conference play. Different people getting out of their comfort zone will definitely help. We’re ready for any game and any scenario.”
Holtmann has cautioned against expecting too much too soon from Brown, who has not had much opportunity to expand his game after averaging 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds while appearing in 26 games including 10 starts last season. He will be counted on to use his 6-7, 195-pound frame to affect opponents defensively with the hopes that his offensive game will continue to come around as he settles into a role.
“I don’t ever give one second of thought to preference on who our leading scorer is,” he said. “It’s never one concern whatsoever. If it’s him, great. If it’s Zed , great. If it’s Justice , fine. If it’s Sean or Tanner or Bruce one night, so be it. I don’t ever give it one thought, nor will I. I could not care less who our leading scorer is at the end of the year.”
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Return of Isaac Likekele, Gene Brown gives Ohio State fully intact rosterFor the first time in the 2022-23 season, Ohio State will have a fully intact roster as Isaac Likekele and Gene Brown are active for Alabama A\u0026M.
Read more »
Fully intact Ohio State pulls away from Alabama A&M in second half for blowout winIsaac Likekele and Gene Brown III returned to action and Ohio State blew past Alabama A\u0026M during the second half for a lopsided win.
Read more »
Time Out Ohio: Here’s how to ban yourself from sports gambling in OhioLegal sports gambling is almost here in Ohio. But if you’re suffering from a gambling addiction, or just don’t want to be tempted to place bets, there’s a way to ban yourself from any wagering.
Read more »
Ohio State moves to head of class if it passes tough test against Georgia | Rob OllerOhio State is among the college football elite, but to be known as the top dog, the Buckeyes must upset the Georgia Dawgs in the Peach Bowl
Read more »
Facing Georgia provides Ohio State the chance to quiet doubters after recent failures | OpinionAfter consecutive losses to Michigan have raised doubts about the program, Ohio State must change narrative in Peach Bowl matchup against Georgia.
Read more »
Former Ohio State linebacker Jerry Rudzinski sports a passion for athleticsFormer Ohio State linebacker and WBNS Radio broadcaster Jerry Rudzinski has two great loves: family and football.
Read more »