Ohio State’s men’s basketball team ended its season with a loss to Iowa, a defeat that exemplifies the Buckeyes’ struggles throughout the year. Despite having numerous opportunities to succeed, the team couldn’t capitalize.
The stakes were high, as a win would have likely secured an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. However, the Buckeyes failed to execute, handing over crucial possessions with turnovers and unable to take advantage of Iowa’s vulnerabilities.
Coach Jake Diebler acknowledged that turnovers cost the Buckeyes dearly, stating that “toughness and playing hard isn’t quite enough. You’ve got to execute.” The team’s inexperience, particularly among its young players, is a contributing factor, but Diebler’s own lack of experience as a head coach cannot be overlooked.
Diebler took over the team despite having limited coaching experience, which raised eyebrows at the time. While he did a good job galvanizing the team last season, his decision to become the Buckeyes’ head coach will be scrutinized further now.
The Buckeyes’ chances of success are uncertain, and their loss to Iowa has cast doubt on whether Diebler’s gamble will pay off in the long run. With a 17-14 record, they narrowly missed out on an at-large bid, instead securing a spot in Fox’s College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas.
The team’s struggles are a setback for Ohio State, which had been expected to compete for a spot in the NCAA tournament. However, Diebler and his staff will have time to reflect on their performance, and maybe future seasons will be more successful.
Source: https://www.si.com/college-basketball/ohio-state-mens-basketball-flop-is-on-jake-diebler