Thoughts on each of the Buckeyes in the Bahamas
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas – For eighty minutes inside the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis, Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann experimented.
In exhibition games against the Egyptian and Puerto Rican national teams, the Buckeyes coach gave his rebuilt roster its first test run.
It wasn’t the full one he expects to have when Ohio State opens the season against Robert Morris on Nov. 7, when Justice Sueing and Seth Towns are expected to be fully healthy and available, but eleven players saw action as Ohio State won both its games.
Here’s one thought on what each Buckeye showed.
Eugene Brown III
One of only two returning players on the court, Brown saw limited minutes because he is working his way back from a groin injury.
Still, in only 12:15 of playing time against a sizeable Egyptian team, he pulled down five rebounds.
Kalen Etzler
Physically, Etzler looks much more prepared to make an impact for Ohio State after redshirting last year.
On the court, Etzler remains a work in progress who possesses intriguing attributes.
Roddy Gayle
In a word, the freshman guard was efficient. Gayle scored four of his 10 points against Egypt in the final 1:15, helping seal the win and finishing in double figures despite attempting only four shots. Gayle’s scoring primarily came at or around the rim. His late dunk against Egypt was both a highlight and a game-clinching play. A bonus: He was perfect on six free throws.
Bowen Hardman
The freshman guard did not see playing time against Egypt and was only on the floor for 1:49 against Puerto Rico. In those 109 seconds, Hardman committed two fouls, drew one more and otherwise did not record a statistic.
Tanner Holden
In both games, Holden looked like one of Ohio State’s most dangerous weapons. Athletic, quick and agile, he consistently got to the rim and also looked confident in his 3-point shot. Holden’s 21 points were third-most while in the Bahamas and only some rough free-throw shooting (5 for 12) kept him from putting up bigger numbers.
Zed Key
Ohio State’s most experienced returning player looked the part. He frequently established himself close to the rim and was aggressive going after rebounds and loose balls.
Isaac Likekele
As advertised, the Oklahoma State graduate transfer proved capable of doing a little bit of everything. In each game, he scored 8 points and pulled down five rebounds. His five turnovers in two games felt a bit high for such an experienced player, but Likekele’s physicality and size (6-5, 215) allowed him to bully opponents in the paint.
Sean Mcneil
When the West Virginia graduate transfer shoots the ball, it looks like it’s going in as soon as it leaves his fingertips. The issue for Mcneil during these two games was that while his shots looked good, they didn’t fall. Mcneil was 3-for-15 from the field and 2-for-10 from 3-point range.
Felix Okpara
One thing is clear: Okpara takes it personally if an opponent attempts to shoot the ball while he’s on the court. The 6-11 freshman was called for multiple goaltends, some of which were questionable calls, and affected other shots around the rim. His offensive game remains raw.
Brice Sensabaugh
Sensabaugh simply gets buckets. He led the Buckeyes in scoring with 35 points, shots attempted (27) and 3pointers attempted (17) and was the only player in double figures in both games. Defensive improvement will help determine just how much playing time he carves out.
Bruce Thornton
The freshman showed why Ohio State believes he’s their point guard of the future. In the win against Egypt, Thornton dished out six assists with one turnover. The next day against Puerto Rico, he finished third on the team with 11 points and was 5 for 6 from the floor. ajardy@dispatch.com @Adamjardy