Status of Eugene Brown, Justice Sueing revealed ahead of Ohio State season opener

Ohio State will return to the court on Monday night, with Robert Morris coming to town for the 2022-2023 season opener. Although the Buckeyes were voted sixth in the Big Ten preseason poll, the conference will be as open as ever. The campaign for a first title under head coach Chris Holtmann will get underway but not without some injury news.

Starting with the positive — Justice Sueing is expected to play vs. Robert Morris despite dealing with an ankle injury. Sueing is expected to be a big piece for Ohio State this year after appearing in just two games a year ago. When he was healthy during the 2020-2021 season, Sueing averaged 10.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

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Holtmann spoke on Sueing during Big Ten Media Days, talking about how great of shape the forward was then. At the time, there was a little tweak in Sueing’s ankle, causing him to miss some practice. Now healthy and expected to play against Robert Morris, Holtmann is excited to get him back on the court.

“As you mentioned, you are starting to see some things,” said Holtmann back on Oct. 12. “I think there will be some rust when we get to games as well. But he’s in great shape, worked really hard. I’m really proud of Justice and as a coach, you’re really happy for a young man to get back and be able to enjoy his final year of college basketball.”

Ohio State to be without Eugene Brown on Monday

While having Sueing back in the lineup will be a boost for Ohio State, there is a damper in spirits. Eugene Brown will not play in the season opener, dealing with a concussion.

Brown has spent two seasons with the Buckeyes, appearing in 26 games and starting 10 last season. He was able to get 3.5 points and secure 2.4 rebounds per game. Brown saw his role increase as Big Ten play continued heading into the NCAA Tournament.