Ohio State and head coach Jake Diebler continue to acquire talent and pieces for next year's basketball team.
Ohio State added another experienced piece to its overhauled backcourt when Duquesne guard Jimmie Williams announced his commitment to the Buckeyes. This will be a sort of homecoming for the 6-foot-5 native from Solon, Ohio. He looks to bring his all-around game, and more importantly, another proven scorer to a roster that still has many questions to answer this offseason.
Williams averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in what was his breakout season for Duquesne. He played in 33 games and shot 46.3% from the field and 33.9% from 3-point range. His stats profile ultimately earned him a place on the third-team All Atlantic 10. Before he got to Duquesne, Williams played for both South Florida and Wallace State, where he was an NJCAA All-American and one of the most decorated players at the junior college level.
NEWS: Duquesne transfer Jimmie Williams has committed to Ohio State, source told @TheFieldOf68.The 3rd-Team All-A10 selection averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for the Dukes this season. pic.twitter.com/hhWZFkun6p
For Ohio State, Williams fits a clear need. The Buckeyes have already lost several pieces to the team that lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament this past season. That has left coach Jake Diebler with significant work to do in reshaping the roster, especially in the backcourt. Ohio State has been able to add some talent, notably Cal guard Justin Pippen and Kentucky forward Andrija Jelavic, but it still needs to bring significantly more bodies if it wants to contend in the top tier of the Big Ten Conference next season.
Williams can give the Buckeyes a veteran option who can handle the ball, score, rebound, and create turnovers, all traits Ohio State would welcome.
Williams decision to return to his home state gives Ohio State a player who knows the region and one who has participated and excelled at all the different levels of college basketball. His background and ability will give Jake Diebler a key piece in navigating one of the most important portal periods of the modern era.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Ohio State basketball adds versatile guard from the transfer portal