Ohio State basketball handed key roster news that’ll impact the rest of their season as they try to make the NCAA tournament

The Buckeyes will have a key player available for the rest of the season and into March.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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The Ohio State Buckeyes fell on Sunday to the Michigan State Spartans, 66-60, to move to 17-10 on the season. A day later, the Buckeyes have some positive news on their roster for the rest of the season. 

Ohio State basketball gets clarity on Puff Johnson ahead of March 

Ohio State forward Puff Johnson was granted a temporary restraining order on Jan. 17 against the NCAA that has allowed him to play the last seven games. Now, Johnson has had a temporary restraining order against the NCAA in a Franklin County court. The news was first reported by The Columbus Dispatch’s Adam Jardy. 

There was a possibility of Johnson being ripped off the court at any time much like Alabama just happened with Charles Bediako. That’s not going to happen and the lane is clear for Johnson to play in the last four regular season games, and any postseason games the Buckeyes play. 

Johnson made his first start on Sunday against Michigan State and had two points. The sixth-year senior is averaging three points, and one rebound in 13 minutes per game so far. 

Having Johnson has been key for the Buckeyes with his size at 6-foot-8 due to the Buckeyes missing forward Brandon Noel with a broken bone. 

Ohio State was comfortable with adding Johnson to their roster last spring because they felt he would receive a waiver for a sixth season. Ohio State filed for a medical hardship, as well as an appeal when it was denied by the NCAA. In the end, it was the TPO allowing him to get on the court. 

The Buckeyes are back in action on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET against the Iowa Hawkeyes. A game Ohio State is going to have to win if it wants to reach the NCAA tournament.  

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