Ohio State Buckeyes made the decision to fire Chris Holtmann last season on Valentine’s Day, appointing Jake Diebler as interim head coach. Diebler led the Buckeyes to a strong finish, going 6-1 in the regular season, and nearly securing an NCAA Tournament spot. His leadership earned him the permanent head coaching position. Early this season, things seemed promising with Diebler’s offensive style, but the team has since faltered. Ohio State has lost four of its last five games, including three straight, and their NCAA Tournament hopes are slim.
Currently 15-13 overall and 7-10 in the Big Ten, Ohio State Buckeyes needs a strong finish in the Big Ten Tournament to have any chance at an NCAA bid. One of the biggest issues has been the team’s stagnant offense, particularly in the half-court game, where they’ve struggled to get easy baskets. This offensive struggle has raised questions about Diebler’s ability to adapt and execute effective strategies.
While it’s still too early to fully judge Diebler’s tenure, next season will be crucial in evaluating whether he was the right hire. As a first-time head coach, he has room to grow, but the team’s performance this season will determine if he can turn things around. With a strong run in the Big Ten Tournament, Diebler could still prove himself, but right now, the Buckeyes are struggling to find direction.