Wesson takes step by practicing

Saturday night was big for Ohio State, but Saturday morning was even bigger for Andre Wesson. That evening, at halftime of the home football game against Oklahoma, men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann told reporters that the sophomore forward had taken part in the day’s practice.

For the first time since Holtmann was hired in early June, that is.

“We had a team workout today and he was able to do some things, so it’s great to have him out there,” Holtmann said Saturday night.

As a freshman, Wesson played his way into a bigger role as the season progressed and finished with averages of 2.3 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. But during the offseason, Wesson was held out of all workouts while a medical situation was assessed. He finally received the all-clear in late August.

Now he is building fitness and working his way back into the swing of things.

“Obviously the depth is important for us,” Holtmann said. “First and foremost, we were making sure he was in good health. He needs to get in shape, and that will happen. He has done a really good job coming back and working with our training staff and our strength and conditioning coach.”

Holtmann said the plan is to bring Wesson along slowly — not for fear of a medical situation, but for fear of causing an injury.

“Andre wants to do everything right now and he’s eager to do that, but we need to be smart, too,” Holtmann said.