Ohio State junior center Kaleb Wesson announced his return to the Buckeyes Tuesday after participating in the 2019 NBA Draft process for evaluation.
Courtesy of OSU athletics.
A Westerville (Ohio) South product, Wesson, led Ohio State in both scoring (14.6 points per game) and rebounding (6.9 rebounds per game) as a sophomore in 2018-19, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.
“We really look forward to coaching Kaleb for his junior season,” Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann said. “Kaleb received valuable information in this process. He and his family really went about this process in great way.
“We stayed in regular communication and I know he and his family appreciated the feedback they received from the NBA advisory committee as well as NBA organizations.
“As we begin the work ahead for the 2019-20 season I know Kaleb understands the work ahead and I know he is anxious to join his teammates.”
While testing the draft market, Wesson had workouts with the Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics. Former Ohio State player and assistant coach Chris Jent is an assistant coach with the Hawks, while former Butler colleague and friend of Holtmann, Brad Stevens, is the head coach of the Celtics.
Wesson (6-9, 270) has two years of eligibility remaining and will strive to lead Ohio State to its third NCAA Tournament appearance in as many years.
In addition to scoring and rebounding average, Wesson led the Scarlet and Gray in field goals made (156), free throws made (130) and attempted (177), offensive rebounds (77), defensive rebounds (144) and blocks (21). The skilled big man also ranked second in steals (33) and field goals attempted (312).
As a true freshman in 2017-18, Wesson earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 56.2 percent from the field.
