Buckeyes Aim for Victory with New Season Mantra

Jake Diebler focuses on cultivating a winner’s mentality at Ohio State after a disappointing finish last season.

After missing the NCAA Tournament, **Jake Diebler** is determined to reshape the Ohio State basketball program. His strategy involves a new team slogan and significant roster adjustments, hoping to improve consistency.

Season Reflection

**Diebler’s** first season at the helm saw the Buckeyes finish 17-15, marked by inconsistent performance despite some high-profile victories. Wins against Purdue and Kentucky highlighted the team’s potential, though they failed to secure a tournament bid.

Looking back at the previous season, **Diebler** acknowledged the challenges his team faced. He cited exhaustion and the relentless nature of the Big Ten schedule as contributing factors.

“I think as the season went on, we just ran out of gas,”

—Jake Diebler, Head Coach

Injuries and a demanding schedule further derailed the Buckeyes in the season’s final stretch. Despite these obstacles, **Diebler** remains optimistic.

”We just didn’t quite have enough there down the stretch … there were some things to be learned in that as well,”

—Jake Diebler, Head Coach

New Focus: Winning Over Everything

**Diebler** is instilling a “winning over everything” mantra within the program. This slogan, emphasized since the end of last season, is now central to the team’s identity.

**Andy Anders** of “Eleven Warriors” first reported the adoption of this new philosophy after interviewing **Diebler** last month.

Roster and Program Enhancements

To bolster his team, **Diebler** has added transfers **Gabe Cupps**, **Brandon Noel**, **Christoph Tilly**, and **Josh Ojianwuna**. Freshmen **A’mare Bynum**, **Mathieu Grujicic**, and **Myles Herro** are also set to join the Buckeyes. In NCAA Division I men’s basketball, roster sizes are capped at 15 players, encouraging strategic recruitment (NCAA.org).

Additionally, **Diebler** invited former Ohio State NBA players to guide his team during a veterans camp in June.

By prioritizing winning and implementing these changes, **Diebler** aims to equip his team for success in the upcoming season. The emphasis on a winning mentality, combined with strategic roster moves, signals a clear direction for the Ohio State basketball program.