The Ohio State Buckeyes basketball team faced a disappointing end to their season by declining an invitation to participate in the inaugural College Basketball Crown event. This decision was not made lightly, as it came on the heels of their missed selection for the NCAA Tournament, a setback that raised several reflections from coach Jake Diebler regarding the state of the team.
On March 17, 2025, just one day after the NCAA Tournament field was announced, coach Diebler detailed the rationale behind the team's choice on his radio show. Ohio State's record this season stood at 17-15, a stark contrast to the momentum they hoped to carry following a noteworthy opening game against No. 19 Texas in Las Vegas earlier in the 2024-25 season. However, the Buckeyes suffered a shockingly early exit in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, falling to Iowa with a final score of 77-70.
Despite hopes for a postseason run, the reality set in quickly for the Buckeyes. Diebler, who had been an encouraging figure throughout the season, noted that injuries plagued the squad and many players were fighting off persistent sickness. "Really, really hard decision because the competitor in me and the competitiveness of this team and program certainly wants to play and keep playing," Diebler lamented during his show.
The situation became complicated by the timing of the College Basketball Crown, set to take place from March 31 to April 6, 2025. The NCAA’s transfer portal opens just a week prior on March 24, creating a tricky predicament for the team as several players were already feeling the impact of a virus hitting the roster in the final weeks of the season. "The timing of the Crown’s not ideal," Diebler pointed out, emphasizing that it was not just about their performance but also the health of the players that led to the decision. "It was more about everything else we’ve had going on physically and what we’ve had going on this year that we thought the best thing for us to do was turn it down," he said.
Ohio State's exit from the College Basketball Crown means they cannot participate in any alternative postseason events, such as the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). Due to contractual obligations with the Big Ten, for which the Buckeyes were the highest-rated NET team not selected for NCAA play, they were left with few options. Diebler confirmed, "We explored not going to the Crown and trying to get into the NIT as a potential option... that wasn’t an option for us." This dismissal from further competition marks a stark conclusion to a season that began with optimistic expectations.
Now, the Buckeyes enter a crucial offseason, burdened with the need to secure a stable roster while also addressing significant positions of need. The transfer portal, a new reality in college basketball, brings both opportunities and uncertainties. As the pressure mounts, players can and are already announcing their intentions to enter the portal, which complicates roster retention for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Among the roster's key figures is Bruce Thornton, a second-team All-Big Ten pick and three-time captain, who possesses one remaining year of eligibility. His future is particularly uncertain, as he may enter the NBA draft process while retaining his collegiate eligibility. Diebler voiced support for Thornton's exploration of options, saying, "It’s Bruce’s decision, but he knows that I support fully him going through that process." Thornton's decision is just one of many that could shape the Buckeyes' trajectory going forward.
Despite the hurdles, Diebler maintains an optimistic outlook for the Buckeyes. After feeling the disappointment of a second consecutive year without NCAA Tournament play, he expressed frustration over the missed opportunity but remains focused on rebuilding. “I’m angry we’re not playing in the NCAA Tournament right now. I am. I’m super excited and optimistic about what’s next,” Diebler stated. His confidence in the potential for growth and the hard work put in by the team resonates strongly as Ohio State prepares to regroup.
As they confront what lies ahead, the Buckeyes are tasked with evaluating their roster, addressing gaps, and navigating the new landscape shaped by the transfer portal. With substantial work to be done, the next few months will be critical in determining the future success of Ohio State basketball under Coach Jake Diebler's leadership. The drive for improvement is palpable as they strive to reclaim their place among the nation’s elite teams.
