Zed Key didn’t have to wait long for his Buckeye Prep teammates to give him the ball in the post at Sunday’s Kingdom League event at Ohio Dominican. In fact, they did so on one of their first few possessions.
A little farther out than he preferred, Key took four dribbles to back his defender under the basket before spinning in the middle of the lane for a left-handed layup off the backboard. No one questioned whether or not the third-year Buckeye center’s post game would regress over the offseason, but after dealing with injuries at the end of his sophomore year, it was a positive sign to see Key back doing what he does best.
But Key didn’t just look like himself. The 6-foot-8 big man actually appeared to have slimmed down a bit, and his shot selection – which included at least one 3-pointer – suggested Key has been working to add some layers to his game. Key confirmed as much to Eleven Warriors after the contest.
“It has been a big change. I’ve watched what I’ve been eating and stuff, and even playing here, I keep running and sweating and getting in better shape,” Key said. “My conditioning, it’s OK right now but it could obviously get better. Not nowhere near season shape right now, so just working on that every day with the coaches and weight room. So that’s the stuff I’ve been working on."
Key’s participation in the Kingdom League, which runs every Sunday through mid-August, has a lot to do with staying in shape over the summer. Ohio State’s own summer work has already kickstarted in preparation for the new season, but Key and a number of other Buckeyes are still routinely showing up to put in extra work regardless.
“(Kingdom League) is about just working on my craft,” Key said. “Obviously my jumper wasn’t falling particularly today. But it’s good. You stay in shape, keep your conditioning, you get in better shape because you’re running up and down. That’s what I really think about it as.”
The summer league format and varying levels of competition also allow for some experimentation, which is beneficial for a player like Key who is looking to “expand my game.” Key said he’s been working on his mid-range and 3-point jumpshots every day, and called improving those aspects of his repertoire a “big point of emphasis” this offseason.
Another vital step Key must take over the coming months is becoming a leader for the Buckeyes, given his status as one of just two returning players from last year’s team. With five new freshmen and a slew of transfers comprising a bulk of the roster, Key has made a sudden transition from young up-and-comer to full-blown program veteran.
“It was tough in the beginning, because last year I was one of the younger ones on the team. I’m one of the veterans now, so it’s definitely a big step to have to take," Key said. "I have freshmen looking up at me and stuff so I have to set a really good example for them. It’s definitely a step I’m gonna take.”
Zed Keys post game: still sharp pic.twitter.com/qfqrC2JFZR
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) July 3, 2022
Key said he’s spoken with Chris Holtmann and the Buckeye coaching staff about that responsibility in particular.
“We’ve had those conversations, like, ‘You’re a veteran now and you’ve been here for three years. Guys will be looking at you, hopefully you’ll be a captain. The younger guys, they don’t know how college is yet so they’re gonna be looking at you. So just set a good example and lead by example,’” Key said.
Perhaps Key can learn a thing or two about leadership from his Kingdom League teammates. Both Jared Sullinger and Keyshawn Woods suited up next to Key on Sunday, and considering both the position Sullinger plays and his head coaching experience in The Basketball Tournament, it’s clear Key could benefit from his tutelage.
“It’s great. Jared’s my guy, Keyshawn’s my guy, they come back (to Ohio State). I’m about to start working out with Jared just to pick his brain and gain some of his knowledge,” Key said. “So it’s good that they’re on my team.”
Of course, Key must imbue his young teammates with his own knowledge, and perhaps no one player more than 6-foot-11 freshman center Felix Okpara. The near 7-footer didn’t have a dominant day on the hardwood in his Kingdom League matchup, but Okpara’s athletic gifts and prolific shot-blocking ability have been evident to Key nonetheless.
“Felix, he’s coming along. Really athletic, can jump out of the gym, good hands, he can dunk everything. So I gotta watch my head when I’m guarding him,” Key said. “But even Brice, too. Brice can really shoot the ball and put the ball on the floor. He’s a mismatch problem. All the freshmen have their little quirks and they’re really good. I’m looking forward to playing with them.”
Felix Okpara gets the post-up bucket inside guarded by Kalen Etzler: pic.twitter.com/SMEw8Wh6Ww
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) July 3, 2022
Okpara certainly has the height and athletic advantage over Key, but the New York native possesses more strength and leverage down low. It’s made for some grueling practice sessions between the two, but that should only aid them once Big Ten play starts later in the year.
“(Our one-on-one matchups have been) very physical. I know he’s gonna try to punch my shot, so I got to give him my body,” Key said. “But he’s a good defender, and I gotta use some of my being in college two years.”
Even when hobbled at the end of last year, the physicality Key brought to the court in the second half of Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament matchup against Villanova nearly helped the Buckeyes complete a late comeback in the eventual loss.
Key said some time to rest was necessary after the season, and that another early exit in the Big Dance will only motivate him more this year.
“I was upset. We came crawling back against Villanova, I thought we had it, but we just couldn’t get over the hump,” Key said. “So I was upset, took some time off after the season. Needed it. But now coming back, fuel the fire. Lost to Villanova in the second round so now we can come back looking for more.”
Just one player from the current Buckeye roster (Eugene Brown) experienced that contest on the court alongside Key and company. But Ohio State’s chemistry has already impressed Key, who thinks the Buckeyes can prove doubters wrong in 2022-23.
“The vibe is great. Everyone’s coming in working, working hard, so I’m really excited what this team has in store to show everyone,” Key said. “People are counting us out already, so I’m excited to show people.”
