How Cotie McMahon’s departure from Ohio State creates opportunities for the Cambridge sisters

The Ohio State women’s basketball team has long been a powerhouse within the Big Ten, consistently ranking among the top teams in the conference and competing at a high level on the national stage. But like any successful program, the Buckeyes have to navigate the inevitable turnover that comes with the collegiate athletics system. Players graduate, transfer, or in some cases, depart early for professional opportunities, creating both challenges and opportunities for the remaining team members.

One such departure that has shaken the Ohio State basketball world is the exit of Cotie McMahon. McMahon, who was one of the team’s leading players, brought versatility, scoring ability, and leadership to the court. However, her departure opens up significant opportunities for the players who remain on the roster, particularly for the Cambridge sisters—Rori and Rai.

The Cambridge sisters, both of whom transferred to Ohio State, are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s future, and McMahon’s exit could be the key to unlocking their full potential. While McMahon’s loss is undoubtedly a blow to the team, it also creates the space for the Cambridge sisters to step into more prominent roles. This article will explore how Cotie McMahon’s departure creates opportunities for Rori and Rai Cambridge, how the sisters are prepared to rise to the occasion, and what the future holds for Ohio State women’s basketball in the post-McMahon era.

1. The Impact of Cotie McMahon’s Departure on Ohio State Women’s Basketball

Cotie McMahon was a vital part of Ohio State’s success, especially in the previous season. Known for her scoring ability, leadership, and defensive prowess, McMahon’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in the Buckeyes’ lineup. A versatile wing player who could score both inside and beyond the arc, McMahon was an all-around contributor for the Buckeyes, consistently filling up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and assists. Her high basketball IQ and ability to defend multiple positions made her a key player in the Buckeyes’ game plan.

Her loss presents several challenges for Ohio State, particularly in replacing her scoring and leadership. McMahon’s ability to stretch the floor, handle the ball in transition, and provide a scoring punch in clutch moments cannot easily be replicated. As a seasoned player who had been a part of the team’s core for years, McMahon’s departure leaves a leadership void that must be filled by the returning players.

But while the team will certainly miss McMahon’s on-court contributions, her departure also offers an opportunity for the next wave of talent to rise to the occasion—particularly the Cambridge sisters.

2. Rori and Rai Cambridge: A Look at the Sisters’ Journey to Ohio State

Before we dive into how McMahon’s departure creates opportunities for the Cambridge sisters, it’s important to understand who they are and what they bring to Ohio State.

Rori Cambridge

Rori Cambridge, a guard/forward with exceptional versatility, is one of the most highly anticipated players in the Buckeyes’ program. Prior to joining Ohio State, she made a name for herself as a standout player at Arizona State, where she showcased her scoring ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity. Cambridge was known for her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, and she was a dynamic presence in the Pac-12, earning praise for her clutch performances in big games.

Rori’s playing style is marked by her ability to do a little bit of everything—she can shoot from the perimeter, drive to the basket, and lock down on defense. Her high basketball IQ and understanding of the game make her a natural leader, and she has the potential to become a major contributor for Ohio State, especially with McMahon’s exit creating an opportunity for her to step into a more prominent role.

Rai Cambridge

Rai Cambridge, Rori’s younger sister, is a force in her own right. While Rori garnered a lot of attention during her college career, Rai is a rising star who brings incredible athleticism, defense, and leadership to the team. Known for her exceptional speed, leaping ability, and energy on the court, Rai is a guard who can score in transition, disrupt passing lanes on defense, and create opportunities for her teammates. Her ability to impact the game with her athleticism and defense makes her a perfect complement to Rori, and the two sisters have already established a strong chemistry on and off the court.

Rai’s transition into the Ohio State system could be seamless, as she possesses a similar skill set to her sister, with an emphasis on defense and hustle. Her drive to improve and her understanding of team dynamics are qualities that will make her a valuable player for the Buckeyes in the post-McMahon era.

3. The Opportunity for the Cambridge Sisters in the Post-McMahon Era

With Cotie McMahon’s departure, Ohio State finds itself in a position where the team will need to rely on the players who remain to step up and take on larger roles. This is where the Cambridge sisters come into play. Both Rori and Rai are poised to thrive in the increased spotlight and can help fill the void left by McMahon’s departure in several key ways.

Increased Scoring Responsibilities

One of the most obvious opportunities that arise from McMahon’s departure is the chance for the Cambridge sisters to take on more scoring responsibility. McMahon was one of Ohio State’s most prolific scorers, averaging double digits in points and contributing across the board. With her departure, Rori and Rai will have the opportunity to pick up some of that slack. Rori, known for her ability to score in various ways, could become the primary offensive weapon for Ohio State. Her ability to create her own shot, as well as her outside shooting range, could make her one of the most difficult players to guard in the Big Ten.

Rai, while not as established as her sister in terms of scoring, has the potential to contribute significantly in this area as well. Known for her athleticism, she has the ability to finish at the rim, score in transition, and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. With more minutes and greater responsibility, Rai could emerge as a secondary scoring option for Ohio State, helping to ease the burden on Rori while also bringing her own unique skills to the team.

Leadership Roles for Both Sisters

Beyond their scoring ability, both Rori and Rai will be tasked with assuming leadership roles within the team. McMahon, as a senior and veteran player, was a natural leader who helped guide the Buckeyes both on and off the court. With her exit, there is a significant leadership void that must be filled, and the Cambridge sisters are well-positioned to step into those roles.

Rori’s experience and composure on the court make her a natural leader. As someone who has played in high-pressure situations, she knows how to maintain control during tight games and keep her teammates focused. Her leadership will be invaluable as she helps guide the team through difficult moments and sets the tone both offensively and defensively.

Rai, while younger, can also contribute as a leader, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Her energy, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence can inspire the team to push harder, especially when the game is on the line. With her high motor and ability to make plays in transition, Rai can lead by example and show her teammates what it means to play with intensity and heart.

Defensive Impact

McMahon’s defensive contributions will also be hard to replace, but the Cambridge sisters are more than capable of stepping up in this area. Rori is an excellent defender who can guard multiple positions, and her defensive versatility will allow Ohio State to be more dynamic on that end of the floor. Rai’s defensive prowess is even more impressive, as she is known for her ability to disrupt passing lanes, create turnovers, and lock down opposing guards and wings. Together, the sisters can provide Ohio State with the type of tenacious defense that is often the hallmark of championship-level teams.

Their combined skills could help the Buckeyes remain one of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten and on the national stage. The Cambridge sisters could become the foundation of Ohio State’s defensive identity, much like McMahon was, but with their own unique brand of defensive intensity.

4. The Future of Ohio State Women’s Basketball

The Cambridge sisters represent a bright future for Ohio State women’s basketball. With McMahon’s departure, the team now has a chance to build its identity around these two dynamic players. Their ability to step into larger roles, both offensively and defensively, will be critical as Ohio State looks to stay competitive within the Big Ten and beyond.

Under the leadership of head coach Kevin McGuff, the Buckeyes are expected to continue to build on their success and make a run at a Big Ten title. With Rori and Rai Cambridge leading the charge, Ohio State’s future looks promising. The Cambridge sisters’ ability to excel on both ends of the floor will not only help the team this season but also set the stage for the program’s continued success in the years to come.