Ohio State women’s basketball head coach Kevin McGuff spoke briefly at Big Ten Basketball Media Days on Wednesday in advance of the Buckeyes’ season opener against Tennessee on Nov. 8.
McGuff and the program were also represented by senior guards Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Mikesell, who made the trip to Minneapolis, where the event is being held for the first time. The Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament this upcoming March will also be held in Minneapolis.
“They’re going to be the core of our leadership group in leading us in what I think could be an excellent season,” McGuff said of Sheldon and Mikesell.
In McGuff’s brief address to the media, he said he’s optimistic for where this year’s team – coming off a shared conference title and an appearance in the Sweet 16 – could end up.
“I like our team. We had great success last year, a share of the Big Ten title, reaching the Sweet 16, then losing a close game to Texas in the NCAA tournament,” he said. “With the core of that team back, I’m very optimistic that this year could be another special season for us. We’ve got great kids. They’ve worked incredibly hard to this point.”
Beyond returning the core of the team with Sheldon, Mikesell, forward Rebeka Mikulasikova and guard Rikki Harris, among others, Ohio State will also welcome back guard Madison Greene.
Greene was lost shortly before last season began with a knee injury, but McGuff said she is healthy and practicing for the Buckeyes in anticipation of her return to the court.
“She was incredibly diligent and worked very hard with her rehab, so she’s back,” he said. “She looks very good. We did have great chemistry and a great backcourt last year. It’s a great opportunity to infuse Madison back in and get them playing together. I think we’ll only get better because of it. But we will have to kind of work we get her back in there the way we want for us to be effective.”
