After losing to Michigan, a former Ohio State basketball star explains what might be an unhappy truth for March.

After Losing to Michigan, a Former Ohio State Basketball Star Explains What Might Be an Unhappy Truth for March

For any Ohio State basketball fan, the annual rivalry with Michigan is a defining moment of the season. The stakes are always high, as the Buckeyes and Wolverines battle for supremacy in the Big Ten, not just for conference pride but also for positioning in the NCAA Tournament. However, after the latest defeat to Michigan, there are more concerns than just the rivalry loss. The Buckeyes’ recent struggles on the court have raised some difficult questions about their readiness for March Madness, the time when the stakes are highest, and anything can happen in the postseason.

Jae’Sean Tate, a former Ohio State basketball star who played for the Buckeyes from 2014 to 2018, has been following the team closely this season. After Ohio State’s tough loss to Michigan, Tate, now playing professionally overseas, took to social media and spoke candidly about the Buckeyes’ current trajectory and what it might mean for their hopes in the NCAA Tournament. In a detailed post and interview with a local sports outlet, Tate shared what he believes is an uncomfortable truth for the Buckeyes heading into March: they might not be as prepared for a deep NCAA Tournament run as many think.

Tate, who was known for his tough, physical play and his leadership on the court during his time at Ohio State, is no stranger to the pressure of March Madness. As a key contributor to the 2017-18 Buckeyes team that made it to the NCAA Tournament, Tate knows firsthand the importance of peaking at the right time and maintaining consistency throughout the season. His insights on Ohio State’s current state provide a sobering look at the challenges the team faces.

Ohio State’s Struggles in the Loss to Michigan

To understand Tate’s concerns, it’s essential to reflect on Ohio State’s recent loss to Michigan. This defeat wasn’t just another loss; it was a telling indicator of some of the fundamental issues that have plagued the Buckeyes for much of the season. The game was marked by poor shooting, defensive lapses, and turnovers, all of which contributed to a demoralizing defeat.

Michigan, though not considered one of the top teams in the Big Ten this season, managed to outplay Ohio State in nearly every facet of the game. The Wolverines were aggressive on defense, forcing the Buckeyes into difficult shot selections and turning those opportunities into points on the other end. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s offense, which has been inconsistent at times, looked stagnant, unable to establish any rhythm against Michigan’s defense.

Tate pointed out several key problems that were evident in the loss: lack of defensive intensity, turnovers, and missed opportunities in the paint. These issues, he explained, are not just isolated incidents but part of a larger trend that has been present throughout the season.

“It’s tough to watch,” Tate said. “I know the team has a lot of talent, but at this point in the season, you can’t afford to have those kinds of mental lapses and fundamental errors. Michigan exposed a lot of the weaknesses in Ohio State’s game, and they were able to take advantage of it. That’s the kind of stuff that will get you bounced early in March if you don’t clean it up.”

The Uncomfortable Truth: Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament Preparedness

For Ohio State to make a deep run in March, they’ll need to address these issues quickly. However, Tate believes there may be an uncomfortable truth that fans and analysts alike need to face: Ohio State might not be as prepared as they need to be for a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Tate highlighted three primary concerns that are likely to hinder Ohio State’s chances in the postseason: lack of consistency, defensive inefficiencies, and lack of a true go-to player in clutch moments.

1. Lack of Consistency

The Buckeyes have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, including impressive wins over top-tier teams. However, inconsistency has been a recurring issue for the team. They have struggled to put together a complete game on both ends of the floor, which can be disastrous in the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament.

“You can’t have those stretches where you’re just not playing at a high level,” Tate explained. “In March, one bad stretch can cost you the game. Whether it’s a five-minute lapse where you can’t score, or a few minutes where you let the other team score at will, that’s the difference between winning and losing in the tournament.”

Tate’s experience with the ups and downs of a long season, including the emotional and physical toll it takes, informs his analysis. He noted that for Ohio State to succeed in March, they need to be more mentally tough and focused throughout the entire game, not just in spurts.

2. Defensive Inefficiencies

Tate is particularly concerned with Ohio State’s defense, which has been one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses. Against Michigan, the Buckeyes allowed several open looks and easy baskets, particularly in transition. Michigan’s guards and wings were able to get to the rim with relative ease, and Ohio State’s help defense was often slow to react.

In Tate’s view, Ohio State has not yet developed the level of defensive cohesion and physicality necessary to compete against some of the elite teams they will face in the tournament. Strong defensive teams, which are often present in March Madness, can easily expose teams that don’t play with intensity on that end of the floor.

“March is all about defense,” Tate said. “The best defensive teams are the ones that make it to the Final Four. Ohio State has the pieces to be a great defensive team, but they need to execute with more urgency. If they can’t stop teams from scoring consistently, it’s going to be a tough road in the tournament.”

For Tate, this means that Ohio State’s defense must be more than just about individual players; it must be a collective effort. The Buckeyes have to rotate quickly, contest shots, and make it difficult for their opponents to get comfortable on offense. A failure to do so could lead to early-round upsets in the NCAA Tournament, something Tate believes is entirely possible based on the current defensive performance.

3. Lack of a True Go-To Player in Clutch Moments

Perhaps the biggest issue that Tate sees is Ohio State’s lack of a definitive go-to player during the closing minutes of games. While the Buckeyes have several talented players, no one has consistently stepped up as the player who can take over a game in crunch time. In March Madness, the teams that go the furthest are often those who have a star player that can take control when the game is on the line.

Tate mentioned that when he played for Ohio State, he understood that it was his responsibility to step up when the team needed a big play, whether it was getting a crucial rebound, hitting a clutch shot, or making a key defensive stop. For Ohio State this season, no player has yet proven to consistently be that reliable force.

“There’s no doubt that Ohio State has talent,” Tate said, “but the tournament is all about having a player who you can trust in those final minutes. Someone who can take the ball and make a play when everything is on the line. Until someone establishes that role for the Buckeyes, it’s hard to see them making a deep run.”

Tate’s comments are not a knock on any individual player, but rather an observation about the team’s collective mentality. In March, teams often need someone to be the leader in critical moments, and it’s unclear who that will be for Ohio State.

Can Ohio State Still Turn Things Around?

While Tate’s analysis is sobering, it’s not all doom and gloom for Ohio State. The Buckeyes still have plenty of time to correct their weaknesses and build the necessary momentum to make a run in the tournament. The talent is there, and with a coach like Chris Holtmann, Ohio State has the right leadership to address the issues that have plagued them.

However, Tate’s message is clear: the time for tinkering is almost over. The Buckeyes need to start putting everything together now. March is unforgiving, and any team with inconsistencies, defensive holes, and an absence of a go-to player will be vulnerable to an early exit.

“Ohio State still has a shot,” Tate said. “But they need to get it together quickly. The tournament is all about getting hot at the right time. If they can clean up their issues and develop a player who can take over in the clutch, I believe they can still make a deep run. But it’s going to be tough if they don’t fix what’s wrong now.”