Ohio State’s Jake Diebler references university’s statement on Aaron Bradshaw

Three sentences totaling 29 words could have significant implications for the direction Ohio State’s men’s basketball season will take.

As the Buckeyes prepared to host Campbell on Friday night, the annual availability report released by the Big Ten included a surprise name for Ohio State. While the absence of sophomore forward Sean Stewart, who left Tuesday’s game against Evansville early after hitting his head on the field, was expected, the inclusion of sophomore center Aaron Bradshaw was unexpected.

Shortly after, Ohio State released a statement through a team spokesperson that was too brief and unclear.

“Aaron Bradshaw is not currently participating in team activities,” it read. “The university is following the established process. Due to federal privacy laws, we cannot share further information at this time.

Just like that, the status of Ohio State’s starting center, one of its key offseason additions and a main part of the plan for 2024-25, became a giant question mark. After Ohio State improved to 4-1 with a 104-60 win over the Fighting Camels, coach Jake Diebler said he was unable to add anything beyond of what the press release said.

“As far as Aaron is concerned, I understand that you may have some questions,” Diebler said as he opened his post-match press conference. “As stated, I must refer to the statement that was issued and cannot make any comment on it. Respect the work you have to do. Just know that I can’t comment further on this.

On Tuesday, Bradshaw played a season-high 26:33 and finished with 6 points, three rebounds and two blocks in an 80-30 win over Evansville. It was his fourth start in as many games to open the season.

When did Bradshaw go from being an active participant to no longer participating in Ohio State team activities?

“I can just tell you right now that he’s not currently participating,” Diebler said. “For the rest, I would just have to refer to the declaration.”

Are there any steps Bradshaw needs to take, or hurdles he needs to overcome, in order to return to team activities?

“He is currently going through the university process and (I) cannot comment further,” Diebler said.

Finally, is there a timetable for when this can all be finalized?

“Again, he is going through a process with the university and cannot comment further,” Diebler said.

Then it was about the win against the Fighting Camels, playing a balanced attack that saw six players score in double figures and assessing the state of the team five games into the season. Injured Buckeyes Ques Glover (ankle) and Stewart (concussion protocol) are returning to health and their respective statuses have not yet been determined for Monday’s home game against Green Bay.

In their case, Diebler said there was a plan with the team’s medical staff and they would be evaluated closer to the Buckeyes’ next game. In Bradshaw’s case, the sequence of events is much less clear.

Glover and Stewart watched the game from the bench in sweatpants. Bradshaw was not in the arena. A message to the center was not returned.

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@AdamJardy

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