Quick hitters from Chris Holtmann Rutgers preview press conference

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann met with the media Tuesday to preview the Buckeyes’ Wednesday night game against Rutgers as Big Ten play resumes.

Lettermen Row has the full rundown of what Holtmann said.

What Holtmann said Tuesday…

+ Holtmann was asked about the Rutgers defense. He mentioned the length and physicality of the Scarlet Knights, who change defenses and often press. Rutgers makes you work with a limited shot clock. “They have great defenders, but they also have a team-wide commitment to it.” Rutgers has one of the best shot blockers in the country in center Clifford Omoruyi.

+ Holtmann said they’ve looked at last year’s January-February struggles as something to build on, in reference to starting the meat and potatoes of Big Ten play. “For us, we have to stay focused on just getting better and learning from every opportunity in front of us,” Holtmann said.

+ Holtmann was asked how much is on point guard Bruce Thornton’s shoulders in terms of identifying the different Rutgers defenses. He said they need to prepare them the best they can, but it’s hard to mimic Rutgers’ length and speed. It takes time to adjust in-game. There will be some moments where they have to figure things out, but they want to stay aggressive.

+ Holtmann said the Buckeyes’ OER (offensive efficiency rating) was good in the second half against West Virginia. They changed a little bit how they were attacking the Mountaineers’ zone. Really the pain point was during the first half when Ohio State’s 14-point lead evaporated.

+ When asked about Jamison Battle’s improvement in rebounding: “It needs to be a part of who he is right now,” Holtmann said. “He’s gotta become a complete player in terms of his defense and his rebounding.” Holtman emphasized that, as a group, they need to stay committed to the offensive glass.

+ As far as breaking the Rutgers’ press, yes, the Buckeyes will lean on Thornton, but Roddy Gayle Jr. will be important, too. His playmaking ability has been tremendous, Holtmann said. Except, Gayle needs to clean up some of his more reckless turnovers.

+ Holtmann said he loves where Ohio State is at right now. He doesn’t look at the 11-2 (1-1 Big Ten) record as much right now because there are some games you really should win in non-conference play. During the holiday break, Holtmann said the Buckeyes identified four areas they have to be better in. He didn’t go into specifics about those four areas but said you can guess what they are by watching those first 13 games of the season.

+ Holtmann was asked about the transfers that the Buckeyes brought in. He said he likes what they’ve added, but they’re continuing to challenge each of them to better in specific areas. Ohio State wants a bit more playmaking from Dale Bonner, and Battle has to continue to improve his rebounding and defense. Holtmann pointed out that Evan Mahaffey is only a sophomore, so he has a lot of room to grow.

+ Holtmann was asked what he thinks about the Big Ten. He said he’s been very impressed with the depth of the league. He considers the Big Ten and the Big 12 as the two deepest conferences in the nation. Holtmann said the Big Ten has changed since his first year at Ohio State. That year, only four teams from the league made the NCAA Tournament, he recalled. Since then, it’s been so much deeper.

+ Holtmann was asked about the disparity between Ohio State’s success on the offensive glass and its inconsistencies on the defensive glass. He said they’re continuing to evaluate that, and he’s challenging guys to fix that imbalance.

+ Holtmann was asked about the need for more punch offensively off the bench. He said he thinks his bench players need to continue to take good shots and also find ways to make an impact offensively if those shots aren’t going in. “That’s going to be important for us here in Big Ten play to have a bit of pop off the bench,” Holtmann said.