Zed Key is entering the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility.
The Ohio State center confirmed Friday that he will go elsewhere for his final season of college basketball after four years with the Buckeyes.
Thank you Buckeye Nation!! https://t.co/5XTR5YE0sZ
— Zed Key (@iamzedkey) April 5, 2024
Known for his “raise the roof” and “finger guns” celebrations, Key became a fan favorite during his four seasons at Ohio State. After averaging 5.2 points and 3.4 rebounds off the bench as a true freshman in 2020-21, Key was Ohio State’s starting center for each of the next two seasons, averaging 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore in 2021-22 and following that up with career highs of 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in 2022-23.
Key’s role decreased this past season, however, as Felix Okpara became the Buckeyes’ starting center. He averaged only 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while playing 15.4 minutes per contest, coming off the bench except for two starts.
His departure doesn’t come as a surprise, as Key went through Senior Day festivities alongside Jamison Battle and Dale Bonner. He still has one more year of eligibility, though, because of the extra year all players were provided after the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key’s departure leaves two centers, Okpara and Austin Parks, on the Buckeyes’ 2024-25 roster, which will likely prompt the addition of another big man via the transfer portal.
Key becomes the fourth Buckeye to enter the transfer portal since the end of the 2023-24 season, joining guards Roddy Gayle Jr., Scotty Middleton and Bowen Hardman. With only one incoming transfer so far in Meechie Johnson, Ohio State now has three open scholarships to make further additions for 2024-25.
