During Ohio State's current eight-game winning streak, it has been easy to see why the Buckeyes are successful.
Leadership both on and off the court from Keita Bates-Diop and Jae'Sean Tate, combined with timely shooting from C.J. Jackson, has helped Ohio State to the top of the Big Ten standings, along with an improved post presence from freshman Kaleb Wesson.
However, while Ohio State's starting lineup is without question carrying Chris Holtmann's squad through the 2017-18 season, it has been the play of the other Wesson brother that has stood out in recent weeks.
Sophomore Andre Wesson, who missed the majority of summer workouts with an undisclosed illness, has given the Buckeyes a spark off the bench during Ohio State's current win streak. While his impact might not show up on the stat sheet – Wesson averages just 2.3 points per game – Holtmann said following a 64-59 win over Nebraska that he has been thrilled with Andre Wesson's play over the course of the last few games.
"Outstanding," Holtmann said when asked about Andre Wesson's play during the win streak. "He has really been good for us. I have probably not made mention of that enough. He has really been good for us in this stretch. He hasn't turned it over like he was earlier in the year, and has made really sound plays and moved the ball."
For reference, Wesson committed 16 turnovers in Ohio State's 13 non-conference games despite playing less than 15 minutes per game. In Big Ten play, however, Wesson has committed just eight turnovers, and helped force a critical one in Ohio State's win over the Cornhuskers on Monday night.
With the game still in question, the Cornhuskers were in possession of the ball, down by four with less than two minutes to play. Wesson found himself guarding Isaiah Roby with the ball as the shot clock wound down. The older Wesson brother shut off Roby's drive to the basket, ultimately resulting in a shot clock violation that led to two points on the other end for Tate on the ensuing possession. Wesson pumped his first, showing perhaps more emotion than had all season after his defensive stop.
Offensively, Wesson scored only three points against Nebraska, but his one made shot was crucial. After Nebraska had taken a one-point lead with just more than five minutes to play, the Westerville South High School product answered with a corner three-pointer to give the Buckeyes the lead back. He also hit a similar shot in Ohio State's 71-65 win over Northwestern on Jan. 17 that put an end to an early Wildcat run.
Andre Wesson's stats don't jump off the page, but his willingness to do the little things has made him a productive player for OSU.
Tate, who is rightfully given credit for being the player that stirs the drink for Ohio State, said Monday that the older Wesson brother doesn't get enough credit for what he brings to the table for the Buckeyes.
"He has been great. He has been doing all the little things," Tate said. "Sometimes you guys might not see things that don't show up in stat sheets. He has been a great defender, he is getting his hands on deflections, he is boxing out his man making sure they don't get the ball, but also making sure the ball stays alive.
"He's becoming the glue. People call me the glue (guy), but I think sometimes Andre gets us going. Him and all the other (bench) guys are doing a great job."
In recent games, Ohio State has needed its bench to step up in critical situations, and it has. Against Maryland, it was Andrew Dakich scoring 11 first-half points to pick the Buckeyes up after a slow offensive start. Against the Wildcats, Micah Potter led the Buckeyes in scoring with 13 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting.
Wesson's stats won't stand out in the box score, but there is no denying that the sophomore is making a critical impact for Ohio State as the Big Ten season rolls on, Holtmann said.
"There is an embracing of roles that is required," Holtmann said of the players on his first-place team. "Andre Wesson is a great example. He has really embraced (his role) in the last couple of weeks and look how valuable he has been for our group. We don't win the game (against Nebraska) without him."
