Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler provided a cautious but optimistic update on John Mobley Jr. on Wednesday, confirming the starting guard has not yet returned to court practice following an ankle injury sustained in the team’s final exhibition. Mobley limped off the floor with 2:01 remaining in the 82-73 victory over Butler after rolling his right ankle on a teammate’s foot. Diebler emphasized the coaching staff’s priority is to be “cautious” while aiming to have the player ready for the season opener as soon as possible, stating, “We don’t anticipate it being too long.”
Buckeyes star guard expected back soon after rolling ankle in exhibition win
The potential absence of Mobley represents a significant challenge for the Buckeyes, who rely heavily on his scoring and playmaking abilities. A key returner from last season, the 6-foot-2 junior guard averaged 15.7 points and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 41.1 percent from three-point range. His consistency was a hallmark of the previous campaign, as he recorded double-digit scoring performances in 25 of Ohio State’s 31 games and erupted for 20 or more points in nine contests.
Mobley’s status is critical given his recent accolades and role in the Big Ten. Earlier this week, he was one of 20 shooting guards named to the Jerry West Preseason Watch List, and he was previously selected to the All-Big Ten Preseason First Team. With the season opener just days away, the Buckeyes must navigate a delicate balance between protecting their most important player and ensuring he is game-ready to lead the offense against top-tier competition.
Source: Yahoo Sports
