Ohio State basketball expected to be involved with one of the best young guards in the transfer portal this week
Ohio State needs major additions made through the transfer portal after several departures. The Buckeyes are now being connected to a high major guard who could fit next to John Mobley Jr.
The Ohio State men’s basketball team was one-and-done in the NCAA Tournament after being bounced by TCU in the opening round. Since then, the focus has been on reshaping the roster for the future.
Ohio State has had several players already make it clear they’ll be hitting the portal to leave Columbus. Starting forward Devin Royal is the most notable and he’s joined by forward Colin White, as well as guards Gabe Cupps and Taison Chatman.
The portal opens on Tuesday and the Buckeyes have to make several additions. Ohio State is already being connected to a real different maker ahead of the portal opening.
Ohio State expected to be after Notre Dame freshman star in the transfer portal
According to On3’s Joe Tipton, the Buckeyes are expected to be involved with Notre Dame guard Jalen Haralson, who will be in the transfer portal when it opens on Tuesday. Haralson started 23 of the 27 games he played in as a freshman for the Fighting Irish, and averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 26.6 minutes on average.
Haralson is a 6-foot-7 combo guard from Indiana whom the Buckeyes did offer as a high school recruit in the class of 2025. Haralson was rated as the No. 17 overall player in the country following a standout prep career in Indiana. Now as a transfer, 247 Sports has Haralson rated as the No. 36 transfer and No. 6 available combo guard.
Ohio State wouldn’t get much shooting with Haralson, he shot 20 percent from deep as a freshman. But he does bring impressive length, creation abilities, and he’s a strong driver to the room where he does a lot of his scoring.
What’s the fit like for the Buckeyes?
In an ideal world, the Buckeyes will be getting John Mobley Jr. back and he will withdraw his name from NBA Draft consideration. If that happens and the Buckeyes can get Haralson, you have your starting backcourt with five-star incoming freshman Anthony Thompson set to be the No. 3 with Amare Bynum and a transfer representing the size in the lineup.
Ohio State is going to miss the creation ability of Bruce Thornton next season and Haralson could help alleviate some of the loss.
Haralson is an easy take for the Buckeyes following an impressive freshman season. Ohio State will have a lot of contention for the 6-foot-7 playmaker, but it’s a good sign they’re being brought up early.
