Jake Diebler said that his top priority heading into the offseason was roster retention. Now that he is running the Ohio State basketball program, he wants to keep as many of his players from getting into the portal as possible. Two players have already left, with one of them being a key shooter off the bench.
There was one player who the Buckeyes really didn’t want to lose from their starting lineup. That is Felix Okpara. The center played really well at the end of the season, especially in the NIT run. If he leaves, the Buckeyes become dangerously thin at the center position. They wouldn’t have anyone with starting experience left on the roster at that spot.
Felix Okpara is staying with the Ohio State basketball team
The good news is that they don’t have to worry about that. Okpara announced on Monday night that he will be staying with the Buckeyes for his junior season. This is big news for Diebler. Now he doesn’t need to worry about going into the portal to try to get a center. Okpara can continue to develop as a member of the Ohio State basketball team.
Okpara is still raw on offense and can still stand to get stronger. But his rim protection is what makes him so special. He is a deterrent to other teams from driving at the basket. While his post moves still need work, he is a lob threat when he gets close to the basket on offense. He’s a player who still has some potential to grow.
So far, Diebler has done a good job of navigating the offseason. It’s still very early though. Honestly, I’m surprised he still hasn’t hired his brother yet. I still assume that will come at some point. They can recruit Northwest Ohio together.
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