If you look at the projections for the 2017-18 college basketball season, you won't see Ohio State near the top of many standings.
The Buckeyes underwent a coaching change, lost recruits and then gained some back, but have had to piece together a roster ahead of Chris Holtmann's first year as Ohio State's head coach.
Ohio State was able to get 2018 prospect Musa Jallow to reclassify to the 2017 class to help bolster its roster that features seven first-year Buckeyes, including three true freshmen and two walk-ons.
The preseason predictions from most experts (emphasis on most) have Ohio State near the bottom of the Big Ten, but that is serving as motivation for the Buckeyes, especially for sophomore forward Micah Potter.
"People say that we are not Ohio State, that we are very weak. The biggest thing we want is to prove people wrong," Potter said Wednesday afternoon. "Prove that we are capable of playing and playing well and capable of beating some very tough opponents.”
Holtmann, who is in the midst of preparing for two games in a three-day span to start his Ohio State career, said as the head coach, he is more focused on making sure his team shows constant improvement each week.
"I am not honestly getting caught up in that," Holtmann said in the preseason rankings and predictions. "Let's just stay focused on what we are doing right now and that is to get better. That is going to be our continued focus. Hopefully out of that comes good stuff and we will get what we earn, one way or the other."
"People say that we are not Ohio State, that we are very weak. The biggest thing we want is to prove people wrong."– Micah Potter on Ohio State's 2017-18 season
Holtmann has said during the offseason that Ohio State will rely on a number of players – even walk-ons at times – to contribute this season. That said, walk-ons Connor Fulton and Matt Lehmann combined to play just six minutes in Ohio State's 88-63 exhibition win over Wooster on Nov. 5.
In order to earn playing time or extra minutes for Holtmann, Potter said players have to give effort on the defensive end and be quick on their feet.
“For everyone, it is play defense and play hard. If you can defend, you are going to play. Offensively, you have a little more freedom," Potter said. "The whole staff wants you to play defense. Be able to move your feet, stay out of foul trouble. If you play defense and play hard, you’ll be in good shape.”
Kaleb Wesson and Jallow both fouled out in their first college action, an exhibition win over Wooster on Sunday. Wesson fouled out in just 15 minutes of game action but did account for 16 points and seven rebounds. Jallow and forward Kyle Young each collected six points in their Buckeye debuts, playing a combined 37 minutes.
For Ohio State to have success this season, Holtmann said the play of the 2017 recruiting class will be paramount.
"The '17 class (is) very critical, because what you want to be in college basketball at times is a little bit older and experienced," Holtmann said. "The class (2015) that transferred out a couple of years ago that would now be juniors, you feel the effects of that. This '17 class was very critical."
While the Buckeyes are relatively young, Ohio State does have a few veterans who are hoping to go out on a positive note. Kam Williams and Jae'Sean Tate are both seniors preparing to play their final seasons in Columbus, while Keita Bates-Diop is entering his redshirt junior season after missing most of the 2016-17 campaign with an injury.
The veteran trio combined for 38 of Ohio State's 88 points in the exhibition win over Wooster and are all expected to be in the Buckeyes' starting lineup this year.
While Tate is expected to play a different role this season for Ohio State, filling in as a point guard at times, Williams has a similar role to that which he has had in years past. Holtmann wants Ohio State's elder statesmen to be aggressive on the offensive end, in hopes that it will spark the Buckeyes on that side of the ball.
"No matter where the ball is, just be ready to shoot," Williams said of Holtmann's message to him entering the season. "Always be in a shooting stance, no matter where the ball is. He knows I am at my best when I am in attack mode, trying to attack the rim and set my teammates up."
Williams added that his goal this year is to simply give everything he can on the floor, with the expectation it will result in positive outcomes.
"I just want to go out there and have as much fun as possible," Williams said. "Just let loose and play with my teammates and whatever happens, happens."
