Ohio State Basketball: Chris Holtmann impressed by transfer additions

Ohio State basketball coach Chris Holtmann is impressed with his team heading into the upcoming season. During his Big Ten media day session, the fifth-year coach expressed excitement about his three transfer portal additions, including two former Big Ten rivals.

The Buckeyes were busy in the transfer portal this season, adding former Louisiana guard Cedric Russell, former Penn State guard Jamari Wheeler and former Indiana forward Joey Brunk.

A pair of new guards

When asked about the transfers, Chris Holtmann immediately went to Wheeler. The Big Ten veteran is already bringing a new mentality to Ohio State, something the staff welcomes.

“Jamari is one of these kids that is an everyday guy,” said Holtmann. “You want him next to you any time you’re competing and doing anything. He’s really helped us. He brings a lot of juice to practice every day. He’s been really good for us.”

Wheeler averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 2020-21, shooting 39.9 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from the 3-point line. The 6-foot-1 guard struggled from the free throw line, shooting just 62.9 percent, which is up 8.4 percent from his low career average.

Holtmann said the transition for Russell has been slightly more difficult, but he is not concerned with the long-term adjustment.

“Cedric I think is finding his way,” said Holtmann. “Any time you jump up a level, it takes you time to find your way. He’s in the process of doing that. We’re only six practices in right now.”

Russell was incredibly productive in the Sun Belt, earning All-Sun Belt honors in 2020-21. He averaged 17.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists last season from the Ragin’ Cajuns. The 6-foot-2 guard shot 41.9 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from the 3-point line. He is a much better free throw shooter than Wheeler, making 77.7 percent over his career.

Another forward on the roster

The other transfer addition, forward Joey Brunk, is making his own impact in Columbus, Ohio. Having coached against the Big Ten veteran, Chris Holtmann was complimentary of the Indiana transfer.

“I think Joey is a guy, as you know, who came from a really good program in Indiana and had success on their team that was going to be certainly a tournament team,” said Holtmann.

Brunk and Holtmann are more familiar than the coach let on, spending one season together at Butler in 2016. Over his career at Butler and Indiana, the 6-foot-11 forward averaged 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds.