Eric Boggs
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Ohio State women’s basketball is gearing up for a new chapter, with head coach Kevin McGuff confident in the team’s potential. Despite the departure of key players from last year’s Big Ten championship squad, including Jacy Sheldon, Celeste Taylor, and Rebeka Mikulasikova, McGuff remains optimistic about what the Buckeyes can achieve this season.
Ohio State will rely on a mix of returning talent and fresh faces to step up. The Buckeyes bring back four key contributors—Cotie McMahon, Taylor Thierry, Madison Greene, and Eboni Walker—who played significant roles last season. However, with most of the starting lineup from last year now playing professionally, this season’s success will depend heavily on how well the new additions integrate with the team.
Among the new faces are two experienced transfers—forward Ajae Petty from Kentucky and guard Chance Gray from Oregon. Petty, who averaged a double-double last season, brings a strong rebounding presence, while Gray, a proven scorer, will help fill the void left by Sheldon and Taylor. Additionally, Ohio State’s impressive recruiting class, headlined by Jaloni Cambridge, the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2024 class, brings high expectations. Georgia guard Ava Watson and North Carolina forward Ella Hobbs, both top-100 recruits, add further depth and talent.
McGuff acknowledges that early in the season, chemistry might be a work in progress, but he’s confident the team’s talent will be evident from day one. “When you watch us play early on, you’re going to see a lot of talent and a decent amount of depth,” McGuff said. “But with so many newcomers, the challenge will be building chemistry. We’re pushing them hard to make as much progress as we can.”
Replacing Sheldon, the team’s leading scorer from last season, won’t be easy, but the combination of Gray and Cambridge in the backcourt should help ease the transition. McGuff also looks to Greene, a sixth-year senior, to play a significant role after battling injuries in recent seasons. “Jaloni’s incredibly fast and has great command of the ball, Madison looks better than she has since her injuries, and Chance has a knack for scoring,” McGuff noted. “They all bring something different, but they’ll be integral to our success.”
McMahon and Thierry will anchor Ohio State’s frontcourt. McMahon, a preseason All-Big Ten honoree, emerged as a star last season, averaging 14.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. McGuff is also confident that Thierry will continue to elevate her game after a strong junior season, where she averaged 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. Both players are expected to step up as leaders, with McMahon providing energy and vocal leadership while Thierry leads by example.
One area where Ohio State must improve is rebounding, but Petty should make an immediate impact there, as she ranked among the top rebounders in the SEC last season. Freshman Elsa Lemmilä, a 6-foot-6 center from Finland, could also contribute in the post once she recovers fully from injury.
Depth remains a question for the Buckeyes, especially with so many new faces, but McGuff is encouraged by the potential of his freshman class. “Jaloni is a special talent, and Ava has been shooting the ball extremely well. Elsa’s size and athleticism will help us, but she’s still getting comfortable after an injury,” McGuff said.
Ohio State faces a challenging path back to the top of the Big Ten, especially with the addition of USC and UCLA, both expected to be national contenders. However, McGuff believes in his team’s potential. “We’re going to look like a talented team early on. If we can get it together, we have a chance to be special,” he said. “I’m excited to push this group and see how far we can take this.”
For Buckeye fans, the excitement for the upcoming season is palpable. Senior guard/forward Taylor Thierry expressed her appreciation for Buckeye Nation’s support: “The fan base is incredible. They’ve fueled our success, and it’s been a crucial part of my experience here.”
With new talent, veteran leadership, and McGuff’s guidance, Ohio State women’s basketball is poised for another thrilling season. Fans eager to witness the action can purchase season tickets online to make Value City Arena one of the most electric atmospheres in the country once again.
