Quick hitters from Chris Holtmann Wisconsin preview press conference

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann met with the media Tuesday to preview the Buckeyes’ Wednesday night game against Wisconsin.

Lettermen Row has the full rundown of what Holtmann said.

What Holtmann said Tuesday…

+ Holtmann noted that Wisconsin returned 92% of its scoring but also that the Badgers brought in former St. John’s guard AJ Storr from the transfer portal. “Getting better and better, they’re off to a great start,” Holtmann said. “I think they’re clearly, to this point right now, the best team we’ve seen. Excited for the challenge and should be a great environment here tomorrow night.”

+ Holtmann was asked about Wisconsin’s pace of play (the Badgers are 347th nationally in average possession length — 19.5 seconds per possession — and 318th in adjusted tempo, according to KenPom). He said Wisconsin is still probably playing a little bit faster than they had in the past and are certainly getting some “easier baskets.” They’re really efficient with their offense, Holtmann emphasized. Getting double-digit points from Connor Essegian against Nebraska was significant. Essegian, a breakout freshman last year, was limited earlier this season with a back injury. And, again, Storr has been a big-time add, Holtmann reiterated.

+ When asked about defending Storr, a 6-foot-7 guard who is averaging 14.7 points per game, Holtmann said “it will be a number of guys” guarding him throughout the game. Holtmann, though, also shouted out the other pieces Wisconsin has, noting that forward Tyler Wahl has always been one of his favorite Big Ten players to watch.

+ Holtmann was asked what he’s challenged Roddy Gayle Jr. with since the Indiana game, during which his turnover issues continued. “It’s decision making combined with his ball skills growing and getting better,” Holtmann said. “And I think this is the part of the the process for a young player growing into a good player. And it’s not going to happen overnight for him. We didn’t expect it to. There’s gonna be bumps along the way. But he’s got to make some corrections in terms of just simplifying his attack, reading situations better. We need to help him with that, and he’s going to need to adjust. At the same time, he’s got to stay aggressive.”

+ Holtmann was asked about Gayle’s motor. He said they’re still challenging Gayle to have a consistent motor, but Holtmann doesn’t think that’s related to Gayle’s turnover issues. “He needs to be more consistent,” Holtmann said. “I’ve talked to him about that. I know he and his dad and his high school coach, we’ve all discussed that with him. We just need that from Roddy. He needs that to experience the kind of growth we want him to experience. And it’s a lot for a sophomore, but it’s certainly the path he chose and the path we chose to get him better and better quickly.”

+ Holtmann said Gayle is working daily with associate head coach and offensive coordinator Jake Diebler on his ball skills. But he feels that the decision making is more of an issue for Gayle than his ball skills. For that side of it, the Buckeyes’ staff has done film work with Gayle and put him in drills where crowds are near him and digging at the ball.

+ Holtmann on Gayle: “His minutes weren’t as consistent until the end of the year [last season]. But, still, he was really playing behind I think probably even in the defenses, the opposing defenses’ minds, plans and attack. He was playing behind a number of guys, even Sean [McNeil]. Now that’s changed. Now there’s more film on [him], there’s more tendencies that are seen. And he needs to adjust.”

+ Holtmann said Ohio State is different defensively with center Felix Okpara in the game. “He’s got real gifts there,” Holtmann said. It’s got to be a team effort, Holtmann said. Ohio State was good at times but not good enough defensively versus Indiana. But, ultimately, he feels the turnovers were what did Ohio State in against the Hoosiers.

+ Holtmann said this is probably as deep and as talented a Wisconsin team he’s faced. “We say it every year with Wisconsin, but they’re so old,” he said. But Holtmann did allude to the positive impact freshman guard John Blackwell is having on the Badgers (he’s averaging 9.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game).

+ Holtmann was asked about slowing down a Wisconsin team that shot 13-of-26 from beyond the arc against Nebraska last time out. Holtmann emphasized the importance of “great team awareness” on the perimeter. Additionally, Wisconsin’s two-point field goal percentage is good as well, “and that’s where they can get you playing through the post,” Holtmann said.

+ Holtmann said the flu that freshman forward Devin Royal had has not spread and that Royal is getting back to full strength. He’s back practicing after missing the Indiana game, according to Holtmann.