
Ohio State Basketball Holds Summer Practice at Schottenstein Center Ahead of 2026‑27 Season
The Buckeyes opened their summer camp to reporters, featuring interviews with key players and new assistant coach Mike Wells.
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The Buckeyes opened their summer camp to reporters, featuring interviews with key players and new assistant coach Mike Wells.
After a season of early conversations and AAU exposure in Memphis, LJ Smith has chosen to join Ohio State a year ahead of schedule, a move that could reshape the team's lineup and bolster its championship aspirations.

L.J. Smith, a five-star combo guard ranked No. 5 in his position and No. 25 overall, announced his reclassification to the 2026 class and his commitment to Ohio State. His arrival brings a proven scoring record from Oak Hill Academy and a suite of other high-profile recruits and transfers.

Ohio State’s men’s basketball program showed a marked turnaround in the 2025‑26 season, finishing with a five‑win stretch that included upsets over No. 24 Wisconsin and No. 8 Purdue. The Buckeyes capped the year with a Big Ten Tournament victory over Iowa and a hard‑fought battle against Michigan in the NCAA Tournament, signaling that the team is moving beyond its recent struggles.

LJ Smith, a 6‑4 combo guard ranked No. 28 nationally, will play for Ohio State this season, adding depth to a backcourt that already features top prospects.

LJ Smith, a five‑star guard who reclassified to the 2026‑27 freshman class, pledged to Ohio State, bringing elite talent and a historic recruiting achievement to the program.
Ohio State’s men’s basketball team has arrived on campus and begun summer workouts, revealing a 13‑player roster that blends returning players, transfers and freshmen, with detailed height, weight and jersey number information.

After a first‑round NCAA Tournament exit last year, Ohio State is bolstering its lineup with transfer portal additions, a highly touted freshman class, and returning standouts, all in pursuit of a stronger Big Ten campaign.

The Gophers have secured Kyan Evans, a transfer point guard whose familiarity with Coach Niko Medved's system could reshape Minnesota's prospects in the competitive Big Ten.

John Mobley Jr. will return for his junior year, bringing back a key offensive weapon while the team adds several high‑profile transfers.