The Ohio State Buckeyes have just taken a hit that could shake up their future plans on the hardwood. With hopes of turning the tide after a challenging season under new head coach Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes’ top recruit for the class of 2025 has slipped through their fingers.
Ohio State’s athletic director, Ross Bjork, isn’t shy about his expectations for the team’s improvement, despite the school’s football-first reputation. The Buckeyes have a storied history in the NCAA Tournament that suggests they have what it takes to rise among the basketball elite.
This backdrop makes the departure of four-star guard Dorian Jones even more of a setback. Joe Tipton of On 3 reports that Jones, who would have held the baton for reshaping Ohio State’s future, has decided to decommit. As the top-ranked commit for Ohio State in 2025, Jones was poised to bring his exceptional skills to Columbus in the years ahead.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Jones holds the title as the 19th-ranked shooting guard nationwide and sits at 114th overall in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Not surprisingly, his talent has attracted offers from other respected programs, including Big Ten adversaries like Michigan, Penn State, and Rutgers.
Academic hurdles seem to be steering Jones toward a junior college or prep school path next season, as noted by Eleven Warriors. While Jones stepping away from his commitment doesn’t slam the door shut on Ohio State entirely, it certainly adds an extra layer of complexity for Coach Diebler and his planning.
Last season, Ohio State wrapped up with a record of 17-15 and had a 9-11 run in the Big Ten conference. The task now will be to adjust their strategy and find a way to fill the void left by Jones while keeping their eyes set firmly on future success.
