The Ohio State men’s basketball team just added a big piece of its future. Just don’t expect to see him on the court for a while.
Friday night, Justice Sueing announced on Twitter that he will transfer from Cal to Ohio State.
He will sit out the 2019-2020 season and then have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Sueing visited Ohio State last weekend, posting to his Instagram page that he was in Columbus.
As a sophomore this past season, Sueing (6-7 215) led Cal with 14.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while starting 30 of 31 contests.
Sueing is not a graduate transfer, so he will have to sit out next season, but will have two years of eligibility after that.
Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann said this spring that he will look for this type of transfer every single year. He does not mind bringing somebody on who has to sit out one year, as they did last year with Florida State point guard CJ Walker.
“It will be a target every year,” Holtmann said. “I don’t think I’ll ever not [look for this type of transfer]. With 13 available scholarships, and always knowing you can’t keep your entire roster. There’s going to be some degree of turnover most years.
“We’ll always look at an older guy that can be a part of our practices that can understand how we do things and then assume a role the next season. I think it will always be an avenue we’ll look at. We’re certainly having conversations with some guys right now. But we’ll see where that goes.”
Sueing has a solid all-around game, as he can score inside and out, and can also put the ball on the floor. In Holtmann’s offense, he could play the three or the four because of his size and skill set — and also because of Holtmann’s positionless style at times.
Last season, Sueing scored 20 points or more five times and hit two or more three-point field goals nine times.
As to Holtmann’s upcoming team, the Buckeyes are still awaiting word from center Kaleb Wesson on his future.
On Wednesday, the NBA released the 66 players being invited to the NBA Combine, and Wesson wasn’t among them. He had a workout with the Atlanta Hawks a week ago.
Wesson has until May 29 to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return to Ohio State. At this point, he is still expected to return.
— Justice Sueing (@JusticeSueing) May 11, 2019
It only adds quality depth, this past year was the last season OSU will need to deal with Matte’s departures. Our lack of depth ultimately cost us in our 2nd half fade against Houston in the 2nd round.
That, but mostly Houston guards were just so much better than osu.
This “Pursue an experienced transfer every year” strategy is a big part of Gonzaga’s success.
Or grad transfers, they’re both proven players and keep the train rollin’.
seems like a fantastic get, and the Holtmann upgrade in recruiting continues to impress. well done!