Ohio State made its first transfer portal splash of the offseason on Thursday, landing the commitment of former Minnesota forward Jamison Battle.
Battle spent the past two seasons of his collegiate career at Minnesota after playing out the first two seasons at George Washington. While with the Golden Gophers, Battle produced 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 41.4 percent — including a 33.9 percent clip from deep.
Battle has averaged double-digit scoring in all four seasons of his college career, including a career-best 17.5 points per game as a junior at Minnesota — his first season with the Gophers. He took a step back last season after undergoing surgery prior to the season, compounded with the emergence of sophomore big man Dawson Garcia, causing him to average 12.4 points per game — his lowest scoring output since his freshman season — while shooting 37.1 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three, both of which were career lows.
Battle’s addition to the Buckeyes is a major one as he provides Ohio State with versatility at the power forward position with his ability to stretch the floor and attack closeouts while also providing a post presence offensively. Battle will likely compete for time at the four with incoming freshman Devin Royal and incumbent starting center Zed Key.
With a full offseason to heal and get acclimated to head coach Chris Holtmann’s system, Battle’s addition will certainly be a major one for Ohio State’s roster next season. Battle joins the Buckeyes with one remaining season of eligibility.
