Jake Diebler coaching for his Ohio State baskteball future

Today is a big day for the Ohio State basketball team. They play their first-round matchup of the Big Ten Tournament against Iowa today at 6:30 pm. It’s a must-win for the Buckeyes if they want to extend their season and play in the NCAA Tournament. A loss would send them to the NIT despite a strong finish to the regular season.

This game is even more important for interim coach Jake Diebler. He needs a win in order to keep his job next season as leader of the Buckeyes. If he gets bounced by the Hawkeyes, Dusty May is the likely choice to replace him. Diebler needs a run to the NCAA Tournament to keep his head coaching hopes alive.

Ohio State basketball team responding well to Jake Diebler’s changes

One thing Diebler has going for him is how well the team has responded to the changes he’s implemented. The Buckeyes are playing a little faster pace on offense and are going deeper into their bench. Both have paid dividends so far as Ohio State is 5-1 since Diebler took over for Chris Holtmann on Valentine’s Day.

The last time these two teams played, the Buckeyes lost by just two points. That game was on the road when they still had Holtmann though. This is on a neutral site and is a different team. Ohio State is playing with more confidence and they have nothing to lose. No one thought they’d turn it around like this. To even have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament is a victory for them.

In order for the Ohio State basketball team to win this game, they have to do what they’ve been doing for the last month or so. They need to play with pace, protect the ball, and keep contesting three-point shots. Their perimeter defense is the biggest reason why they’ve been winning these games.

It’s good to have positive thoughts about this program again.