Ohio State has taken a calculated risk by adding Joshua Ojianwuna, a center with significant potential, but returning from a serious knee injury, hoping he can contribute at a high level.

In the world of college basketball, the transfer portal has become a significant tool for teams looking to build and shape their rosters. While it offers an opportunity to bring in players who can immediately contribute, it also introduces risk, particularly when it involves players returning from injury. Ohio State University has taken such a calculated risk in acquiring Joshua Ojianwuna, a 6-foot-10 center from the transfer portal who possesses considerable upside but is working his way back from a serious knee injury.

Ojianwuna, a former standout at Louisiana Tech, was a promising young talent before suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for a significant period. Despite the injury, his potential as a dominant force in the paint and his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor have made him an attractive option for Ohio State’s coaching staff. By taking a chance on him, Ohio State is betting on his recovery and hoping that his presence can significantly bolster their frontcourt for the upcoming season.

In this article, we will examine the decision by Ohio State to bring Ojianwuna into the fold, the potential risks and rewards of such a move, and how the addition of this talented center could impact the Buckeyes’ hopes for the upcoming season.

Joshua Ojianwuna’s Background and Journey to Ohio State

Before the knee injury, Joshua Ojianwuna was considered one of the rising stars in college basketball. At Louisiana Tech, he made a name for himself with his combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. In his first couple of years with the Bulldogs, Ojianwuna averaged solid numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks, quickly developing a reputation as a physical, rim-protecting center.

Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing around 250 pounds, Ojianwuna has the size to dominate in the paint, especially on the defensive end. His shot-blocking ability and presence around the rim make him a formidable defender, while on offense, he is capable of finishing around the basket with both power and finesse. His physicality, combined with a surprising level of mobility, allowed him to stretch the floor and become a versatile piece on both ends of the court.

However, his career took a setback when he suffered a serious knee injury. The injury sidelined him for an extended period, limiting his ability to showcase his talents at the level he was accustomed to. Despite the setback, Ojianwuna’s reputation as a promising big man remained intact, which is likely why Ohio State took a risk on bringing him into their program.

Ojianwuna’s decision to enter the transfer portal after his time at Louisiana Tech was one that many saw coming. As a player with so much upside, it was clear that he had the potential to make an impact at a higher level of competition. Ohio State, one of the top basketball programs in the country, quickly identified him as a potential asset to their team. While there was uncertainty surrounding his recovery from the knee injury, the risk was outweighed by the possibility of adding a player with his skillset.

Ohio State’s Decision to Take the Risk

The decision by Chris Holtmann, the head coach of Ohio State’s basketball program, to take a chance on Ojianwuna was not without its risks. While the potential rewards of adding a player with Ojianwuna’s skillset were clear, the risk of his injury lingering and hindering his ability to contribute was a significant consideration.

In recent years, the Buckeyes have been one of the most competitive teams in the Big Ten, regularly contending for NCAA tournament bids. However, despite their success, they have often struggled to find consistency in the frontcourt, especially in terms of having a dominant presence in the paint. Ojianwuna, when healthy, has the potential to be the kind of player Ohio State has been seeking to solidify their interior defense and rebounding while also contributing offensively.

Holtmann and his staff likely saw Ojianwuna as a player who, if healthy, could provide the Buckeyes with an immediate impact. His ability to protect the rim, rebound at a high level, and finish around the basket would complement Ohio State’s existing talent and provide a much-needed boost to their frontcourt. Additionally, Ojianwuna’s upside as a versatile center who can stretch the floor made him an attractive addition to a team that thrives on playing fast and pushing the ball.

However, the coaching staff’s decision also came with the acknowledgment that Ojianwuna’s injury history could complicate things. There is always the possibility that he could experience setbacks in his recovery, and the Buckeyes could find themselves without the player they hoped to have in the rotation. Despite this, the upside of what Ojianwuna could bring when healthy outweighed the potential downside.

Risks Involved: Managing the Recovery Process

The main risk for Ohio State in acquiring Ojianwuna lies in his knee injury and how he will recover from it. Knee injuries, especially in athletes who rely on their mobility and explosiveness, can often be difficult to fully recover from, and the timeline for a full return to form can be unpredictable. While Ojianwuna has shown encouraging signs of recovery, there is always the possibility of lingering issues that could limit his effectiveness on the court.

For Ohio State, managing Ojianwuna’s recovery process will be critical. The coaching and medical staff will need to monitor his progress closely, ensuring that he doesn’t rush back into action too soon and risk further injury. Additionally, they will need to work with him on developing the necessary strength and conditioning to return to his previous level of performance. This process will likely take time, and there may be some growing pains as Ojianwuna adjusts back into game shape and regains his confidence.

Another risk for Ohio State is that Ojianwuna might not regain the form he had before the injury. While he showed flashes of brilliance at Louisiana Tech, it is always possible that a significant injury could alter a player’s style of play, especially for a big man whose game relies heavily on explosiveness and physicality. If Ojianwuna struggles to get back to his pre-injury form, Ohio State could find themselves with a player who doesn’t quite meet the expectations they had when bringing him in.

Potential Rewards: Impact on the Buckeyes’ Frontcourt

Despite the risks involved, the potential rewards of adding Ojianwuna to Ohio State’s roster are substantial. If Ojianwuna can return to full health and reach his full potential, he would provide a much-needed presence in the paint for the Buckeyes. Ohio State has traditionally been known for its strong guard play, but in recent years, they’ve lacked a dominant force in the post. Ojianwuna could be the answer to that problem.

Defensively, Ojianwuna’s ability to block shots and protect the rim would be invaluable for Ohio State. A strong shot-blocker in the paint can completely change the dynamics of a game, altering opposing offenses and making it harder for teams to score in the lane. His size and athleticism would also make him a strong presence on the glass, which is another area where Ohio State has struggled at times. His rebounding ability would help to limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities while giving the Buckeyes more possessions on offense.

Offensively, Ojianwuna’s ability to finish around the basket and contribute in pick-and-roll situations would give Ohio State another option in their offensive scheme. While the Buckeyes are known for their perimeter shooting, adding a strong presence in the paint would balance their attack and make them more difficult to defend. His ability to stretch the floor with mid-range shots or potentially three-point attempts would also add a layer of versatility to Ohio State’s offense, making them more dynamic.

Finally, the presence of Ojianwuna would allow Ohio State to better compete with other top teams in the Big Ten, which has some of the best frontcourts in the country. Having a player like Ojianwuna, if healthy, could give Ohio State the edge they need in some of their most important conference matchups, helping them to stay competitive in the Big Ten race.

 A Calculated Risk with High Reward Potential

Ohio State’s decision to bring in Joshua Ojianwuna is a calculated risk, but one that has the potential for significant reward. With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill, Ojianwuna could provide the Buckeyes with the frontcourt presence they have been seeking. While there is no guarantee that he will return to his pre-injury form, the upside of what he could offer when fully recovered is too great to ignore.

For Ohio State, the key will be managing Ojianwuna’s recovery and ensuring that he is physically ready to contribute at the highest level. If everything falls into place, Ojianwuna could become a major asset for the Buckeyes, helping to solidify their frontcourt and elevate their chances of success in the Big Ten and beyond.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ojianwuna’s recovery process and how he integrates into the Ohio State system. Whether he can overcome the lingering effects of his knee injury will determine not only his future but potentially Ohio State’s success in the coming season.