Eric Boggs
Ohio State basketball kicked off the season with an impressive 80-72 victory over preseason No. 19 Texas in Las Vegas, giving fans a reason to celebrate and raising expectations under new head coach Jake Diebler. In an episode of The OHIO Podcast, Kent from Casual Big Ten joined host Eric Boggs to discuss the impact of this win and Ohio State’s prospects in a competitive Big Ten season.
Kent noted that while Texas may not live up to their preseason ranking, the Buckeyes’ win was significant, especially considering it’s “the best win in the conference so far.” He encouraged fans to root for Texas all season, as a strong finish for the Longhorns would only enhance Ohio State’s resume. Under Diebler, the Buckeyes have adopted a faster-paced, ball-movement-heavy style, which both hosts agreed is a refreshing change from former head coach Chris Holtman’s approach. Boggs commended Diebler’s emphasis on movement without the ball, while Kent highlighted the coach’s success in inspiring energy and buy-in from his players.
One of the game’s standout performers was sophomore forward Devin Royal, who made an impact with his ability to score inside and beyond the arc. Boggs called Royal’s play “super exciting,” reflecting fans’ hopes for a breakout season from the young forward. However, Kent expressed concern about the Buckeyes’ lack of a dominant presence in the post, especially after the departure of center Felix Akpara. This could be an issue in a Big Ten conference known for its physicality, with formidable post players from teams like Purdue and Michigan.
As the Big Ten expands with the addition of UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington, the road ahead looks even more challenging. Kent singled out UCLA as a team to watch under head coach Mick Cronin. In his broader analysis of the Big Ten, Kent discussed top contenders and the unique challenges facing the conference this season.
Big Ten’s 2023-24 Landscape
In a wide-ranging discussion with Boggs, Kent shared his predictions for the Big Ten’s top teams and potential sleeper picks. He ranked Indiana, UCLA, and Illinois as the top trio in the conference, citing Indiana’s team chemistry and strong roster as the reason they’ll be tough to beat. UCLA’s recruiting strength and Illinois’ mix of experienced and new players also make them formidable. Illinois faces a challenging non-conference schedule, which Kent believes could strengthen their tournament resume.
Conversely, Kent voiced low expectations for Washington, which he predicts will struggle due to a lack of depth. He also questioned Purdue’s ability to remain a top team without star center Zach Edey, who graduated after leading the team last season. He placed them fourth but noted their heavy reliance on Edey’s contributions last year might hinder their success.
One team Kent believes could be a surprise contender is Oregon. Known for their disciplined defense and emerging playmakers, the Ducks could sneak up on unsuspecting opponents this season. Kent cautioned higher-ranked teams not to underestimate Oregon’s potential.
On the coaching front, Kent praised Northwestern’s Chris Collins, even calling him “the best coach in the country.” His respect for Collins’ strategic approach makes Northwestern, his “closet team,” one to watch. Northwestern fans will appreciate Kent’s optimism for their team’s future.
Ohio State’s Roadmap to Success
Ohio State’s challenging non-conference schedule, which includes matchups against Texas A&M, Auburn, and Kentucky, should prepare them for the intense competition they’ll face in the Big Ten. Kent believes this schedule is strong enough to bolster the Buckeyes’ resume come March. While it may not be the most daunting lineup in the conference, it’s solid and gives fans plenty of reasons for excitement.
Looking ahead, both Kent and Boggs expressed optimism about Jake Diebler’s leadership at Ohio State. Boggs praised Diebler’s dedication to building a lasting program, while Kent agreed, seeing Diebler’s long-term success as tied to creating consistent tournament teams and cultivating fan support. Kent believes Diebler’s commitment to Ohio State and his fresh approach make him a valuable asset for the program.
Why the Big Ten Struggles in March
One issue Kent and Boggs examined was the Big Ten’s ongoing struggles in the NCAA tournament. Boggs attributed this to the conference’s more physical style of play, which differs from other conferences and can be challenging to adapt to during March Madness. Kent speculated that Big Ten teams may struggle to adjust to the officiating style and intensity of play in the NCAA tournament, where physicality is managed differently.
Big Ten Tournament Magic and a Season of Surprises
For Kent, the Big Ten Tournament is the highlight of his year. Attending each season allows him to witness the energy of Big Ten fans and the culmination of the season’s hard-fought games. This annual experience also fuels his passion and insights shared on his podcast and social media.
With Ohio State’s season underway and the Big Ten featuring a host of competitive teams, Kent’s take on Big Ten basketball set the stage for an exciting year. From Indiana’s potential dominance to Washington’s struggles, and Ohio State’s goal to revive its program, Big Ten fans have much to anticipate. Coach Diebler’s new look for Ohio State and key players like Devin Royal give the Buckeyes hope for a memorable season, though challenges lie ahead in this stacked conference. Fans can look forward to intense matchups, emerging talent, and the possibility of surprises in this highly competitive Big Ten season.
