Breaking News= Ohio State commit in the transfers portal cycle, just landed former Duke forward Sean Stewart.
In a stunning move, Ohio State has bolstered its roster for the 2024-2025 basketball season by landing former Duke forward Sean Stewart, who has entered the transfer portal. The commitment comes as a significant boost to the Buckeyes’ frontcourt as they look to regain prominence in the competitive Big Ten.
Stewart, a 6-foot-8 forward, made a name for himself during his time at Duke, where he was part of a strong recruiting class for the Blue Devils. Known for his athleticism, defensive ability, and rebounding prowess, Stewart was highly regarded as one of the top players in his high school class and had great expectations for his time in Durham. Despite being part of a talented Duke roster, Stewart struggled to find consistent playing time in his freshman season, averaging limited minutes and facing fierce competition for roles.
His decision to transfer came as no surprise to many in the college basketball world, as players who do not receive substantial playing time often explore new opportunities to continue their development. In entering the portal, Stewart cited his desire for increased playing time and the opportunity to contribute significantly to a new program that could help him develop his skills further.
Ohio State, under head coach Chris Holtmann, has consistently been competitive in the Big Ten, but the program has faced challenges in recent seasons. The addition of Stewart is seen as an important step toward returning to prominence. Known for his strong defense and physicality in the paint, Stewart’s abilities could provide the Buckeyes with the kind of presence they need down low. His tenacity on the boards and ability to guard multiple positions will fit well into Ohio State’s defensive scheme, which has often been a point of emphasis under Holtmann’s leadership.
Stewart’s move to Ohio State also signals a shift in the transfer portal dynamics for major programs like the Buckeyes. With the increasing trend of players transferring, teams like Ohio State are looking to use the portal not just to add depth but to find players who can make an immediate impact. Stewart’s skill set fits that bill, as he offers a combination of size, versatility, and defensive capability that will strengthen Ohio State’s roster.
The addition of Stewart also complements the other offseason moves made by Ohio State, as the program has been active in adding talent to bolster both its backcourt and frontcourt. While the Buckeyes are still building around their core group, the commitment of Stewart signals that Holtmann is focused on assembling a team capable of competing at the highest level of college basketball. With Stewart on board, the expectations for Ohio State’s upcoming season are higher, as they look to challenge the top teams in the Big Ten and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
As Stewart transitions into his new role with Ohio State, the hope is that he can find the consistency that eluded him during his time at Duke and help lead the Buckeyes back into the national conversation. The move could prove to be a pivotal one in his career, and for Ohio State, it could mark the beginning of a new era of success.
