Jake Diebler makes statement about his expectations for Ohio State's play in 2025-26

Jake Diebler had one note on how he wants his team to play on both sides of the floor this season in Columbus. If they can do each, Ohio State could have one of its best years in some time, with hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament.

Closing out an interview with Jon Rothstein at CBS Sports on Thursday, Diebler spoke on how the Buckeyes can be a better team this upcoming season. He mentioned toughness, leading to rebounding on defense and pace, as part of playmaking on offense, as the two things he was looking for in order for his team to be at their best based on what he has seen from them so far.

“We want to be the toughest team on the court when we’re out there. I think that’s going to be the most important thing,” Diebler said. “And then, you know, that will translate into rebounding the ball better.”

“I think, as our pace continues to improve, and hopefully that helps display our collective basketball IQ, you know? I think it’s going to be a fun brand of basketball to watch but, most importantly, I think it’s going to help us be efficient,” Diebler continued. “We have some real firepower offensively and, you know, I think we’ve got to find ways to spread that love around.”

Ohio State went 17-15 (.531) last season, making it the third team to not make the cut among the First Four Out for the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes’ offense was among the better ones nationally at 78.8 ppg., but they averaged only 13.2 assists, ranking 214th nationally, in reaching that total. Their defense was then towards the back half of the country as they allowed 73.5 ppg., ranking 227th nationally, and grabbed only 33.7 rebounds per game, which ranked at 277th nationally.

Improving on some of those statistics could be the difference. That’s at least what Diebler thinks, having watched them play several scrimmages to this point through summer practices so far.

“It’s been really good so far. We’ve played more five-on-five in four weeks of summer than we did last year all the way up until probably the second week of September because of injuries and things,” Diebler said. “I feel really good about where we’re at this summer but we’ve got to continue to just make sure we build our foundation on toughness and just utilizing that high basketball IQ that we brought in.”