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Isaac Likekele, Sean McNeil reflect on short time at Ohio State

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•03/14/23
Isaac Likekele, Ohio State forward
Ohio State forward Isaac Likekele handles the basketball during a game on March 11, 2023. (Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)

For many college basketball players, the NCAA transfer portal provides a brief opportunity to suit up somewhere else. A fresh start. That was the case for one-year transfers Isaac Likekele and Sean McNeil at Ohio State.

Likekele arrived after four seasons spent at Oklahoma State, while McNeil came by way of West Virginia after three seasons there. Both were grateful for their one-year stint at Ohio State, even though it won’t come with a postseason berth in the Big Dance.

“Me personally, it really is, whenever that final buzzer went off, walking off the court, I’m just real appreciative of all the opportunities I’ve got, definitely for coach (Chris) Holtmann right here, the bond that we built in just a short amount of time,” Likekele said.

The veteran averaged 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 points per game for the Buckeyes while starting 15 contests.

McNeil was a bit more productive, averaging 9.7 points per game and making 26 starts.

“To come here — just the opportunities, not only here, but throughout my time in college basketball,” McNeil said, “Got to play on the biggest stage, some of the best venues in America, and two of the best conferences in the country, there’s no doubt about that.

“Reflected on it a little bit, but as of right now, it just hurts with my guys.”

Both players appreciative of Chris Holtmann

The coach was a big factor for both of the one-year Ohio State transfers. Both Isaac Likekele and Sean McNeil touched on what Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann meant to them.

“Coach Holt, he’s cared for me more than just as a basketball player,” Likekele said. “That’s not something you find all around the country. Like I said, I’m just appreciative of everything in Ohio State. That’s just me.”

McNeil was happy to go on the ride with his teammates.

“One thing I try to continue to keep at the forefront of my mind was to not take a second for granted,” McNeil said. “We come here and surprised a lot of people, and like Justice (Sueing) said, we finished it off the right way.”