Through 13 games, Chris Holtmann's first Ohio State team sits at 10-3 ahead of a premier matchup with North Carolina, and excitement around the program seems to slowly be climbing.
The matchup against the Tar Heels has lost some of its luster after UNC dropped a home game to Wofford on Wednesday night, yet North Carolina still enters the game ranked as the No. 5 team in the country.
With the game 24 hours away, we open up the Eleven Warriors Basketball Mailbag and take your questions before Ohio State's biggest non-conference game of the year.
What is Kyle Young's true role with both Micah Potter and Kaleb Wesson healthy? - Firedup
Young has really emerged in the last few weeks as a very reliable player off the bench, and he seems to have earned more playing time with his improved play. He crashes the boards perhaps more relentlessly than any player on Ohio State's roster, and his activity has been noticed by the coaching staff.
Even with Potter and Wesson playing well, Young is more of a 'four' than a true post player, so his minutes will remain consistent, I think. If anything, the way he has played has reduced the minutes Andre Wesson will be getting, although the older Wesson has shown improved play as well over the last few games.
What were your thoughts on Coach playing Micah Potter and Kyle Young at the same time yesterday? They seemed to enjoy being out there together, lots of hustle. - LilTrautie
I think that lineup was more because of who Ohio State was playing and the situation. Both players were coming off ankle injuries and needed extra minutes to get back into a rhythm so I wouldn't look too much into it as something Holtmann would use for an extended stretch.
That said, if Ohio State were to need a boost of energy off the bench, there is no doubt Young and Potter would be the first two you would go to.
When did coach start his prep for this game? - Seattle Linga
Game prep for these kind of games is usually started just before the previous game with graduate assistants and behind-the-scenes coaches putting together a scouting report for the head coach and assistants to have in hand as soon as the previous game (The Citadel) ends. That said, Holtmann's preparation for North Carolina started as soon as the game against the Bulldogs ended, if I had to guess.
With a new coach and a new team, I truly believe Holtmann when he says he is taking this season one game at a time. With the slip-ups Ohio State has had in recent years against lower-tier teams, he can't afford to overlook anyone, and so far he has done a good job of doing that.
Do we need to win or at least hang in the game to keep the confidence high going into B1G play? - Keze
I was impressed with how Ohio State bounced back after getting thumped by Gonzaga in the PK80 Invitational, so I don't think another blowout loss would be detrimental to their confidence heading into conference play. That said, I imagine a win would send their confidence through the roof heading into Big Ten play.
All of that said, Jae'Sean Tate and Keita Bates-Diop appear to be doing a great job of leading this team both on and off the court, and I don't think those guys will let this team get too high or too low at any point.
What's needed moving forward for this team to make the tournament. Zero bad losses or a couple marquee wins? - URBANDYNASTY
The good news for Ohio State is, if the Buckeyes beat Miami (OH) on Dec. 30, they will escape the non-conference slate without a bad loss in the first part of the season. The Big Ten has a few pretty bad teams, though, so the possibility of a bad loss still looms.
In order to get into the tournament, I think Ohio State has to finish in the top six in the Big Ten, because the conference is on a down year. The Buckeyes will have chances at marquee conference wins against Michigan State and Purdue, but outside of that, the chances for big-time wins will be slim once the new year hits.
I know OSU has already played two conference games, but with the non-conference schedule winding down, do you have a prediction for where the Buckeyes finish in the Big Ten? - Tennbuckeye19
Like I said above, I think Ohio State can make the tournament if they finish in the top six of the Big Ten. Right now, I would have Ohio State just on the outside looking in at No. 7 in the conference. If the Buckeyes can win a game against the Spartans or Boilermakers, then they have a real chance at the tournament and a top-six finish in the conference.
Is Musa Jallow still in high school mode? I think he should have stayed in high school for his senior year. Is it me or does he look a little lost and confused at times? - Spaceman77
I would go easy on Jallow, because he should still be playing high schoolers. The reality is, Ohio State would really be struggling without him because of what he brings on the defensive end. His length on the defensive side of the ball has been a huge help for the Buckeyes this season.
Offensively, he is struggling to find a rhythm, but if you're Ohio State, you can live with that because offense will come. He has shown an ability to shoot from long range, and his athleticism makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the floor. There is definitely a learning curve that Jallow is going through right now, but once he develops, look out. He is going to be a good one.
How much of this (success) is due to Holtmann's coaching? - ITWASME
I think he has put so much emphasis on energy, hustle and defense, which has played a huge role. However, a lot of credit has to go to Tate and Bates-Diop for embracing Holtmann and his coaching. It isn't easy for seniors to embrace a new coach for a year, and then also try to lead the younger players with the same philosophies. They have done that, and some of that credit has to go back to Thad Matta for recruiting high-quality players both on and off the floor.
Who else, besides KBD, is most needed to step up with a big game for the Buckeyes to be competitive with the Tarheels? - Analyticalguy
The play of Kaleb Wesson will be huge for Ohio State against North Carolina. His ability to keep the Tar Heels off the offensive glass will be integral if the Buckeyes are going to have a shot at the upset. That, and his ability to stay out of foul trouble, will be key if Ohio State is to remain competitive. I think the Tar Heels win this one, but I think the Buckeyes will remain more competitive than they were against Gonzaga.
