Five intriguing Ohio State statistics, ranging from poor assist totals to shockingly strong 3-point shooting

When it comes to college basketball, the narrative is often driven by statistics. Points scored, rebounds grabbed, assists made, and field goal percentages all paint the picture of a team’s identity. For Ohio State basketball in recent seasons, several intriguing statistics have stood out—sometimes revealing areas of concern and at other times highlighting unexpected strengths.

As the Buckeyes continue to battle through the competitive Big Ten and navigate a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape, their performance has been marked by both impressive feats and glaring weaknesses. From surprising success behind the three-point line to struggles in traditional team playmaking, Ohio State’s statistical profile is anything but predictable.

In this article, we’ll explore five intriguing statistics that define Ohio State’s current basketball team. These numbers—spanning categories such as assist totals, three-point shooting, and more—offer a deeper insight into what the Buckeyes are doing well, where they’re struggling, and what could shape their future trajectory under head coach Chris Holtmann.

1. Low Assist Numbers: The Struggles of Team Playmaking

One of the most notable and concerning statistics for Ohio State basketball in recent seasons is their consistently low assist totals. Despite having talented players on the roster, the Buckeyes have struggled to create fluid, team-oriented offense, which is reflected in their assist numbers. In particular, Ohio State has ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten in terms of team assists per game in recent years.

For example, in the 2022-2023 season, Ohio State averaged just around 13.5 assists per game, which placed them in the lower half of the Big Ten. This statistic is a stark contrast to some of the top programs in the conference, who regularly average over 15 assists per game. The assist-to-turnover ratio has been similarly troubling, with Ohio State’s ball movement and decision-making at times feeling stagnant and overly reliant on isolation plays.

Why the Low Assists Matter

Assist totals are an important indicator of how well a team functions within its offensive system. High assist numbers typically suggest effective ball movement, good shot selection, and players working in concert to create open looks. Ohio State’s low assist rate points to a more individualistic style of play, which is often less effective in the long term—particularly against high-level competition in the Big Ten and beyond.

The Buckeyes have not consistently had a true point guard to run the offense, and while players like Malaki Branham (now in the NBA) and E.J. Liddell (now in the NBA) have been exceptional individual talents, their ability to facilitate team play has been somewhat limited. While scoring and rebounding were often carried by these players, the lack of a clear, consistent distributor has made it difficult to generate easy baskets.

In the modern era of basketball, teams that excel tend to be those that can create open shots, keep the ball moving, and get contributions from multiple players. Ohio State’s assist struggles are a glaring hole in an offense that otherwise has some potent weapons. With a deeper commitment to ball movement and possibly more leadership at the point guard position, Ohio State could make strides in improving this stat.

2. Shockingly Strong 3-Point Shooting: A New Identity for Ohio State

On the flip side of the offensive struggle with assists, Ohio State’s 3-point shooting has been remarkably strong in recent years, defying some expectations. The Buckeyes have shown an ability to shoot the ball from deep with impressive accuracy, especially considering their offensive inefficiencies in other areas.

In the 2022-2023 season, Ohio State finished third in the Big Ten in 3-point shooting, making nearly 37% of their attempts from beyond the arc. This statistic is all the more striking given that Ohio State’s offense has often been perceived as stagnant, with a lack of creativity in creating offense in the paint. However, the team’s ability to shoot the three has provided a silver lining, keeping them competitive in games that may otherwise have been decided by lackluster offensive output.

Why the Strong 3-Point Shooting Is Significant

What makes this statistic intriguing is how the Buckeyes have managed to thrive from beyond the arc despite the lack of elite team playmaking. Players like Justice Sueing, Brice Sensabaugh, and Sean McNeil have played key roles in Ohio State’s success from three. Sensabaugh, in particular, emerged as one of the premier shooters in the Big Ten, often carrying the team with his ability to stretch the floor.

This strength from three-point range gives Ohio State a weapon they can use to stay competitive, even when their offense isn’t clicking in traditional ways. While other parts of the game may be inconsistent, the ability to knock down long-range shots opens up space, making it more difficult for opponents to defend the Buckeyes. Moreover, in an era of basketball that increasingly emphasizes the importance of the three-pointer, this is a statistic that could elevate Ohio State’s status in games against high-level competition.

The key moving forward will be for Ohio State to continue to integrate three-point shooting into a more balanced offensive game plan. With the right offensive system and some better passing, Ohio State could become a more dangerous team that can score both from deep and in the paint.

3. Defensive Efficiency: A Mixed Bag for the Buckeyes

Ohio State has been known for having an up-and-down defense under head coach Chris Holtmann, with their defensive efficiency fluctuating year to year. In the 2022-2023 season, the Buckeyes ranked 6th in the Big Ten in terms of defensive efficiency, allowing opponents to score an average of 68.2 points per game on about 45% shooting from the field. While not necessarily abysmal, this defensive performance is not elite by Big Ten standards, where teams regularly excel at shutting down opposing offenses.

The Problem with Ohio State’s Defense

One of the challenges facing Ohio State’s defense is their inability to consistently defend in the post and on the perimeter. Size has been a recurring issue for the Buckeyes, particularly when matched up against larger, more physical teams. Opponents have been able to exploit these weaknesses in key moments, whether it’s hitting timely 3-pointers or posting up smaller guards in the paint. This vulnerability has hurt the Buckeyes in critical matchups, particularly against teams like Michigan, Purdue, and Indiana, who can overpower them in the low post or stretch the defense with sharpshooters.

Another key issue has been Ohio State’s turnover differential. When they fail to create turnovers, their defense becomes more vulnerable, as they struggle to get out in transition and force quick, easy shots. In the Big Ten, teams that are not effective defensively will struggle to compete, and Ohio State’s defense needs to take a significant leap forward if they are to make any substantial playoff runs.

4. Free Throw Shooting: An Underappreciated Problem

One area that has historically been an issue for Ohio State is free throw shooting. In the 2022-2023 season, Ohio State shot just 70% from the line, which is not terrible but certainly not good enough to elevate a team with championship aspirations. While this number is passable, it’s still well below the standards of teams like Purdue or Michigan State, who tend to excel at the charity stripe.

Why Free Throw Shooting Matters

Free throw shooting is one of the more underappreciated statistics, but it can make a significant difference, especially in close games. Ohio State’s struggles at the line have contributed to missed opportunities to close out tight games or extend leads. Moreover, free throws can be a way to slow down the opposing team’s momentum or capitalize on fouls committed by opponents. With the Big Ten being a highly physical conference, Ohio State will need to improve its free throw shooting to avoid leaving points on the table, particularly in close games.

5. Rebounding: A Continual Battle

Rebounding has been another area where Ohio State has faced challenges. Despite having athletes like Zed Key and Brice Sensabaugh capable of hitting the boards, Ohio State often finds itself outmatched on the glass. In the 2022-2023 season, the Buckeyes ranked 9th in the Big Ten in rebounds per game, with an average of 34.5 per contest.

The Importance of Rebounding

In a league like the Big Ten, where physical play is the norm, teams that struggle to rebound consistently tend to falter against more physical teams. Ohio State has often been outworked on the boards, allowing opponents to get second-chance opportunities or wear down the Buckeyes defensively. Ohio State’s offense can be sporadic at times, and without strong rebounding, their opportunities to capitalize on missed shots are limited. Improving on the glass will be crucial for Ohio State’s ability to close out games and compete against the league’s top teams.

A Team of Contrasts

The statistical profile of Ohio State basketball in recent seasons is a study in contrasts. On the one hand, the Buckeyes have shown strength in areas like three-point shooting, with surprising success from the outside. On the other hand, they continue to struggle with traditional aspects of the game, such as ball movement, free throw shooting, and defensive consistency.

Moving forward, Ohio State must find a way to balance these strengths and weaknesses. They cannot afford to be one-dimensional, particularly in a highly competitive Big Ten. Improving their assist numbers, defensive efficiency, and rebounding will be key for any serious tournament run. At the same time

, if they can build upon their already solid three-point shooting and develop a more dynamic, well-rounded offense, Ohio State could become a more formidable force in the conference and beyond.

For the Buckeyes, the goal is clear: turn these intriguing statistics into a more consistent, championship-caliber team. The pieces are there. It’s just a matter of putting them together effectively.