Chris Holtmann provides update on the status of Isaac Likekele

Ohio State guard Isaac Likekele rejoined his teammates Saturday against North Carolina following a one-game leave of absence to return home due to a personal matter. However, while Likekele was on the bench, he did not enter the game as the Buckeyes lost 89-84 in overtime.

In his postgame press conference, Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann explained the reason, saying that Likekele is still trying to recover mentally from the issue. Although he isn’t sure when the guard will be ready to make his return, he emphasized that the Buckeyes coaching staff and players are offering their support.

“One of the things that I’ve tried to do and learned in this is there are physical injuries and then there are emotional things that players go through,” Holtmann said. “There are mental challenges for today’s athlete. It’s our job as coaches to recognize that there’s both. A pulled hamstring is pretty easy to see. A sprained ankle is pretty easy to see. But someone grieving over difficult things and challenging emotional things in their life needs the support of everybody around them. It’ll be on his time if and when, and we’ll support him regardless.”

Prior to the issue, Isaac Likekele started in all eight games he appeared in for Ohio State this season. The Oklahoma State transfer adds value all over the court, averaging 4.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists across 27.5 minutes per game.

Likekele is a unique player, standing at 6-foot-5 and having the ability to play anywhere from point guard to in the post. While playing for Oklahoma State for the past four seasons, he became the first player in program history to record more than 1,000 points, 600 rebounds and 400 assists.

With the loss to UNC, Ohio State fell to 7-3 on the season. Likekele’s next chance to take the court will come at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, when the Buckeyes are set to take on Maine.