Ohio State men’s basketball continues to reshape its roster for the upcoming season, landing a key frontcourt piece in 6-foot-10, 230-pound forward Josh Ojianwuna, a transfer from Baylor University. The Nigeria native brings size, experience, and a physical interior presence to the Buckeyes as he enters his final year of eligibility.

Originally from Asaba, Nigeria, Ojianwuna developed his game through the NBA Academy in Africa before moving to the NBA Global Academy in 2019. He was instrumental in helping his team to a third-place finish at the 2018 NBA Academy Games, paving his way to college basketball in the United States.

At Baylor, Ojianwuna appeared in 87 games over three seasons. After modest contributions during his first two years — averaging 4.2 and 4.9 points per game respectively — the athletic forward took on a larger role in 2023–24, posting 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game through 23 appearances before a knee injury sidelined him for the final 12 contests. Despite the setback, he notched double-digit scoring performances 11 times, including four double-doubles and in one of his final games with the Bears, he scored 12 points and grabbed a career high 17 rebounds against Arizona State in January.

Ojianwuna’s decision to transfer comes after a productive yet injury-interrupted junior year. At Ohio State, he is expected to serve as a rotational big, likely joining Ivan Njegovan in backing up presumed starting center Christoph Tilly while offering critical depth at both the power forward and center positions. Ojianwuna’s commitment adds a valuable combination of size, experience, and defensive versatility to an Ohio State team looking to make a significant push in the Big Ten next season.

 His arrival comes amid other roster changes, with Sean Stewart and walk-on Colby Baumann most recently departing the program, leaving two open scholarship spots. Ohio State is reportedly targeting a starting-caliber wing for one of the remaining vacancies. The coaching staff awaits NBA Draft decisions from potential targets, with activity expected to pick up as the combine and pre-draft workouts unfold.

 

-Jason Harris