College Basketball Archives

Bruce Thornton’s Rise to NCAA Stardom: Ohio State’s Emerging Leader in 2024

November 13, 2024 by Steven R

The Evolution of Bruce Thornton: From Freshman to Sophomore Leader

Bruce Thornton’s journey from a promising freshman to a powerhouse point guard at Ohio State reflects his drive and ambition. Now a sophomore, Thornton has embraced a leadership role that has helped shape Ohio State’s early success in the 2024-25 season. His transformation has been fueled by offseason preparation and a mindset focused on resilience and growth—a shift clearly on display in the season opener.

First Game Performance: Thornton’s 20 Points Set the Tone

Opening the Buckeyes’ season against No. 19 Texas, Thornton led his team with 20 points, including two key baskets in the final minutes, to seal an 80-72 victory for Ohio State. Thornton’s execution down the stretch proved critical to Ohio State’s win, as he had cool performances at the foul line and smart ball-handling. Coach Jake Diebler said Thornton’s poise in big moments could make him an anchor on a team with very high aspirations this year.

Confidence and Self-Belief: Thornton’s Declaration as One of the Best

That confidence has now contaminated Thornton, in that his personal confidence has translated into driving factors in terms of his success. He came into the … Read more at FryingPanSports

Value City Arena: Buckeyes, Bands, and Beyond!

June 2, 2024 by Steven R

Love sports? Music? How about both under one roof? Then the Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio is your place! This awesome arena is like a giant choose-your-own-adventure for entertainment.

Buckeye Headquarters

The Ohio State Buckeyes call Value City Arena their home for hockey and basketball. It has been running since 1998 and holds tons of people (like, 17,500!), making it a rocking place to cheer on the Buckeyes. It may not be a fancy hockey stadium, but it sure feels like on of the best in the Big Ten!

More Than Just Games

This arena is a real chameleon. With all its space (over 770,000 square feet!), it can transform into whatever kind of event is happening. Here’s a quick rundown:

Ice Battles: The arena turns into a frosty battlefield for Ohio State hockey. The ice practically vibrates with the cheers of fans as they cheer on their team.
Slam Dunk Central: When the ice melts, a squeaky clean basketball court appears. Get ready for an intense atmosphere – every dribble and slam dunk will have the crowd roaring!
Concert Heaven: Calling all music lovers! The Value City Arena isn’t afraid to crank up the volume for big-name concerts. … Read more at FryingPanSports

Sean Stewart Commits to Ohio State: A Boost for the Buckeyes’ Frontcourt

May 3, 2024 by Steven R

Big news for Buckeye Nation! Former Duke forward Sean Stewart just committed to Ohio State for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Fans are already hyped as this 6’9″ sophomore is a key addition to the Buckeyes’ frontcourt. He is in great need after 5 losses in the transfer portal this year.

The Decision

A top recruit in 2023, Stewart chose the Buckeyes over Georgetown and Cincinnati. Apparently, he really clicked with Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler, who tried to recruit him out of high school years ago. Diebler must have had a great plan for Stewart, because that, combined with the chance to play a bigger role on the Buckeyes’ team, totally sealed the deal for Stewart.

Stewart’s Duke Journey

Stewart’s freshman year at Duke was spent backing up some baller seniors, Kyle Filipowski and Mark Mitchell. Even with limited playing time, he showed flashes of his talent, averaging over 2 points, 3 rebounds, and even half a steal and block per game. Plus, he shot a super impressive 57% from the field!

In two performances, he scored 16 points against La Salle and 12 points against NC State. Great leaping ability allowed him to … Read more at FryingPanSports

Micah Parrish Commits to Ohio State: Buckeye Nation Gets a Boost

April 20, 2024 by Steven R

Alright, listen up! Micah Parrish, a former San Diego State forward, has packed his bags and headed to the Ohio State University! Buckeye fans, buckle the seat belt because this news is like a slam dunk for the 2024-25 basketball season. Standing tall at 6’6″, Parrish is exactly what the Buckeyes need to beef up their roster and bring some serious game to the season.

But wait, let’s rewind a bit.

A Bit of Background

A native of Detroit, Parrish began his college hoops journey at Oakland University before transferring to San Diego State. And let me tell you, his time with the Aztecs was nothing but jaw-dropping. They danced their way to the state tournament in 2023 and rained out the Sweet 16 in 2024. Now, he’s hammering out that winning spirit at Ohio State.

What’s in Micah Parrish’s Bag of Tricks?

Statistics may not throw the whole story out, but Parrish got some sweet things up his sleeve. Sure, his scoring average of 9.3 points per game this season won’t blow your mind, but with his versatility, court smarts and as the guard-three-star small forward who caught the Buckeyes’ attention, he’s got the skills … Read more at FryingPanSports

Buckeye Nation, Get Ready: Chance Gray is Coming Home

April 14, 2024 by Steven R

Buckle up, Buckeye Nation! Get ready for some serious excitement because Chance Gray is making her way back home, and she’s about to shake things up big time for Ohio State basketball.

From Cincinnati to the Big Stage

Let’s rewind a bit and dive into Gray’s journey. She was a native of Cincinnati and was practically in the courts at Winton Woods. When she picked up the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year title and earned that famous McDonald’s All-American honor, she was the real deal. I mean, her stats in high school. Ridiculous. A cool average of 26.7 points per game in her senior year – now that’s how you leave a mark.

A Duck Becomes a Buckeye

After a stint with the Oregon Ducks, where she averaged an impressive 13.9 points per game and led the team in assists per contest, Gray is ready for the new chapter to be a bittersweet farewell to the Pacific Northwest, but to resist the lure of playing for her home state was too hard.

The Impact on Ohio State

What does this mean for Ohio State? Well, it’s a slam dunk. Gray’s arrival fills the void left by … Read more at FryingPanSports

Former Ohio State Guard Brice Sensabaugh Goes First Round in NBA Draft

June 23, 2023 by Steven R

Brice Sensabaugh, an outstanding former Ohio State guard, has just achieved a momentous milestone in his basketball journey. The Ohio State faithful can rejoice as Sensabaugh’s name was called in the first round of the NBA draft, an extraordinary feat that speaks volumes about his talent and unwavering dedication to the game. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sensabaugh on this thrilling accomplishment!

In the face of past knee injuries, Brice Sensabaugh managed to leave a lasting impression on the Utah Jazz during the pre-draft process. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing in at 235 pounds, this Florida native showcased his skills and ultimately emerged as the 28th overall pick in the first round, becoming the second consecutive Ohio State player to achieve such an honor after Malaki Branham’s selection last season.

Who is Brice Sensabaugh?

But who exactly is Brice Sensabaugh, you might ask? Well, he is a former Ohio State guard whose exceptional talents have propelled him to the forefront of the NBA draft. Known for his remarkable skills on the basketball court and his unwavering dedication to the sport, Sensabaugh’s latest accomplishment serves as a testament to his hard work and innate … Read more at FryingPanSports