Meet the newcomers to Ohio State's men's basketball team
D.J. Carton
FRESHMAN GUARD
Described as the most explosive player on the team, Carton brings game-changing ability to the Ohio State backcourt. He was named Mr. Basketball in Iowa as a senior, when he averaged 24.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists for Bettendorf. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Carton was a four-star prospect and the No. 34 national recruit in the 247Sports composite rankings, making him the highest-rated recruit to sign with the Buckeyes since D’Angelo Russell in 2014.
Ibrahima Diallo
FRESHMAN CENTER
Born in Senegal, Diallo was a late addition to the 2019 class after flashing potential as a senior at Napa (California) Prolific Prep. Listed at 6 feet 10 and 220 pounds, Diallo played in only 10 games as a senior because of various injuries but averaged 11 points and 11 rebounds. He’s inarguably raw — 247Sports lists him as the No. 368 national recruit — but brings size and a willingness to learn. He will see limited time as Kaleb Wesson’s backup.
Alonzo Gaffney
FRESHMAN WING
The Cleveland native brings athleticism and potential in his 6-foot-9, 200-pound frame, and begins the process of getting the most out of his talents. A four-star recruit ranked No. 50 nationally by 247Sports, Gaffney adds depth to the wing and forward positions. He has shown a knack for rebounding while continuing to hone his offensive game and build strength. He averaged 10 points and six rebounds per game at Wolfeboro (New Hampshire) Brewster Academy as a senior.
E.J. Liddell
FRESHMAN FORWARD
The best pure scorer in Ohio State’s freshman class, Liddell was just the second two-time Mr. Basketball in Illinois after a standout career at Belleville West. He averaged 20.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocks as a senior and was the No. 44 national recruit according to 247Sports. A versatile post player who could see time at power forward and center, Liddell was slowed by a preseason lower-leg injury but is poised for significant minutes.
Justice Sueing
JUNIOR FORWARD
A transfer from California, Sueing joined the program during the spring and will sit out the 2019-20 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules. He will have two years of eligibility starting next season, and when he joins the active roster he will bring a hard-nosed game and an ability to drive, draw contact and finish. The first Hawaii native to play for Ohio State, Sueing averaged a team-best 14.3 points and 6.0 rebounds for California as a sophomore.
Adam Jardy