It’s not a secret that the Ohio State Buckeyes have struggled on the basketball court as late with the team losing eight of their last nine games and falling to just 11-11 on the season, on pace to likely miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time under head coach Chris Holtmann. It’s clear that the Buckeyes needed to make some changes to turn their season around, but the decision the team made had many scratching their heads.
Freshman sensation Brice Sensabaugh has been without a doubt the team’s top player this season, emerging as the team’s top scorer with 17.1 points per game. He’s also inserted himself into the NBA Draft conversation as he’s likely to be a one-and-done player this season with first-round projections.
OSU's Brice Sensabaugh having one of the most efficient freshman seasons on record. One of 5 NCAA players since 2009 to average 17 points in fewer than 25 min.
Shooting: 50% off catch, 49% pullups, 63% TS
At rim: 62%
12-22 ISO
10-18 postupsHere's why the offense translates: pic.twitter.com/FhiQLyX47y
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) January 24, 2023
But ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game against the rival Michigan Wolverines, head coach Chris Holtmann made quite a surprising coaching move, putting Brice Sensabaugh on the bench to start the game.
Brice Sensabaugh will come off the bench today for Ohio State.
Thornton, McNeil, Likekele, Sueing and Zey are Ohio State's five starters against Michigan.
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) February 5, 2023
“Brice Sensabaugh will come off the bench today for Ohio State. Thornton, McNeil, Likekele, Sueing and Zey are Ohio State’s five starters against Michigan,” Ohio State basketball reporter Griffin Strom of Eleven Warriors said in a tweet.
It’s certainly a wild move, and the college basketball world blasted it.
*upperclassmen players make back breaking turnovers all game*
Chris Holtman: no, it is the freshmen that are the issue— Josh Baughman (@TheJoshBaughman) February 5, 2023
They got a 1 and done coming off the bench 😭😭😭 holtmann is cooked bro. How does he still have a job https://t.co/8yglIes2NM
— Dar 🥴🤪 (@dark____master) February 5, 2023
Holtmann is ridiculous man. What is this? https://t.co/q0ZHj8559P
— CLEology (@_CLEology) February 5, 2023
Holtmann has one NBA player on his team. So he makes sure hes on the bench.
RAISE AND EXTENSION @clubtrillion @GoodmanHoops https://t.co/RF4YR8Them
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) February 5, 2023
Brice Sensabaugh is 5th in scoring in the big ten and 5th in minutes played for Ohio State #Holtmann
— Sports Talk Spicer (@SportsSpicer) February 5, 2023
Holtmann isn't even starting Sensabaugh 😂😂😂
— Sports Talk Spicer (@SportsSpicer) February 5, 2023
To be fair, Ohio State is 6-2 in games when Sensabaugh comes off the bench. But it’s still quite a shocking move not to start the best player on the roster.