When Ohio State men's basketball starts the 2023-24 season, head coach Chris Holtmann's team could be without one of its top freshmen.
At Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday, Holtmann revealed Taison Chatman underwent a recent "minor knee procedure" that will keep him on the sidelines until November, a development that places his status for Ohio State's season opener with Oakland on Nov. 6 in question.
Holtmann also added that Austin Parks, Ohio State's 6-foot-10, 250-pound freshman center from St. Mary's, Ohio, has dealt with back spasms in preseason camp. However, he expects Parks' ailment to subside before the season starts.
"Taison is out four to six weeks with a minor knee procedure," Holtmann said. "Austin has been out with some back spasms. Both of those guys have been out for a little bit. Austin should be returning soon."
A 6-foot-4, 175-pound combo guard, Chatman was the No. 36 overall prospect in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. In 2022 and 2023, he led Totino-Grace High School (Minneapolis) to back-to-back Minnesota 3A state titles. Across both seasons, Chatman averaged over 12 points per game and paced the Eagles in rebounds and assists.
Chatman committed to Ohio State on Sept. 20, 2022. As a member of the Buckeyes, Chatman wants to contribute as a multi-level scorer, creating his own shot off the dribble or knocking down catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. He will also look to create opportunities for his teammates as part of a backcourt that will feature Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Dale Bonner.
"I want to win. That's all I really care about is winning. The season we had last year was unfortunate, but we have the chance to make something special happen this year," Chatman said at Ohio State's Media Day. "(Our guards) can handle pressure. We can all bring the ball up the floor. We can all shoot. Our games complement each other."
Ohio State opens the 2023-24 season at home against Oakland on Nov. 6. The Buckeyes will also face Texas A&M (Nov. 10), Alabama (Nov. 24), UCLA (Dec. 16) and West Virginia (Dec. 30) in their nonconference schedule before a Big Ten slate that includes home-and-homes with Minnesota, Penn State, Rutgers, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska and solo matchups with Northwestern, Iowa and Michigan State on the road and Illinois, Maryland and Purdue at home.
