The story of the veteran Ohio State Buckeyes basketball center is one built on perseverance, loyalty, and a deep-rooted connection to his home. Originally a three-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, he wasn’t the most highly-touted recruit coming out of high school. Yet, through hard work, steady development, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, he carved out a meaningful role for himself at Ohio State. His journey reflects the value of believing in one’s path, even when it doesn’t begin with immediate stardom.
After a strong start to his college career, the center briefly entered the NCAA transfer portal, a move that sparked interest from several programs across the country. Some of these programs, including Michigan, offered significant NIL opportunities to try and persuade him to leave. However, despite being presented with a massive $7.6 million NIL offer, he remained steadfast in his decision not to play for any team other than his beloved hometown Buckeyes. His loyalty to Ohio State, the program he grew up admiring, proved to be stronger than any financial incentive.
Now, with his future firmly anchored in Columbus, he will have the opportunity to continue his growth under the guidance of head coach Jake Diebler and newly added staff member Jack Bowen, who has built a strong reputation for developing frontcourt players. Bowen’s mentorship will be crucial as the center refines his skills, particularly in areas like footwork, rebounding technique, and defensive positioning. Given Bowen’s success in molding raw talent into dominant interior presences, the veteran center’s future looks bright.
For Ohio State fans, his return is more than just a roster addition — it’s a reaffirmation of the program’s culture of loyalty and hard work. It shows that for some athletes, playing for their home school means more than personal gain. It’s about legacy, pride, and representing their roots on the biggest stage.
