Ohio State finds itself navigating a challenging stretch of the season, dealing with significant player absences while preparing to face a highly experienced Kentucky team in the CBS Sports Classic. Since November 17, the Buckeyes have been without Aaron Bradshaw due to personal reasons. More recently, Meechie Johnson has also stepped away for personal matters, while injuries have sidelined Ques Glover and Colin White, leaving Ohio State scrambling to fill 73.5 minutes of playing time each game.
As the matchup against Kentucky looms, the availability of these key players remains uncertain. According to assistant coach Jake Diebler, the status of Bradshaw and Johnson is still “day-to-day,” while Glover and White may have a better chance of returning to the court.
“We’re still trying to figure that out,” Diebler said Thursday. “Meechie is still working through his personal stuff. We may have a couple more guys back in practice, but it’s hard to give a clear answer yet.”
In the absence of Bradshaw and Johnson, Ohio State has relied on other players to step up. Freshman John “Juni” Mobley Jr., a sharpshooter averaging 12.1 points per game and shooting an impressive 53.6% from beyond the arc, has taken over Johnson’s spot in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Duke transfer Sean Stewart has filled in admirably for Bradshaw.
Mobley, who entered college as a highly regarded four-star recruit, has exceeded expectations with his offensive output. His ability to consistently knock down three-pointers—he’s made at least one in every game this season—has been a bright spot for the Buckeyes. However, his strengths have not addressed the team’s ongoing struggles with size and physicality, particularly on the boards.
“Juni has been fantastic for us,” Diebler said. “He’s grown more confident as the season has gone on. But as productive as he’s been, size and physicality remain areas where we need to improve.”
Ohio State’s undersized lineup has proven to be a disadvantage. The current starting five features players standing at 6-1, 6-2, 6-6, 6-6, and 6-9, which pales in comparison to Kentucky’s imposing lineup that boasts players ranging from 6-2 to 7-0. Despite rotational pieces like 6-6 guard Evan Mahaffey and backup big men Austin Parks (6-10) and Ivan Njegovan (7-1), the Buckeyes rank 203rd nationally in rebounding, a glaring issue heading into Saturday’s game.
“This is a game where we may have to get creative with our lineups,” Diebler explained. “When the shot goes up, it’s about physicality and providing support from the perimeter. We need to take it to another level.”
Kentucky, ranked No. 4 nationally with a 10-1 record, has demonstrated the benefits of experience and cohesion under first-year coach Mark Pope. In contrast, Ohio State, currently 7-4 and unranked, continues to search for consistency. According to Diebler, the Wildcats’ seasoned roster has been a significant factor in their success, particularly in critical moments.
“Coach Pope has done a great job with this team,” Diebler said. “The experience they’ve brought in has made a big difference. You see it in how they handle key moments in games. As our younger players gain experience, we’ll start to see more of that from our side.”
For Ohio State, ball movement and unselfish play will be key to not only competing with Kentucky but also building momentum for the rest of the season. The Buckeyes have shown flashes of offensive excellence when their assist numbers are high, something Diebler emphasized as a critical point of focus.
“When we share the ball, our offense is at its best,” Diebler said. “It can’t be just one guy racking up assists; it needs to be a collective effort.”
With Kentucky’s size advantage and Ohio State’s challenges with physicality and roster depth, the Buckeyes will need to find creative solutions and bring their best team effort to pull off an upset.