Justin Ahrens is a difference-maker
Now THAT'S a dub! 💪#GoBuckeyes #Team122 pic.twitter.com/EkzozzilPF
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 5, 2021
Three-point assassin Justin Ahrens has elbowed his way into the starting lineup, and for good reason. E.J. Liddell has made a huge jump in productivity this season, but it might not be possible without Ahrens work on the perimeter. His ability to stretch the defense out as a 3-point sniper keeps the defense from doubling down when posting up on his side.
Even with that, there’s some good action that the OSU coaching staff runs to get Ahrens his shot, and he sure does make good on a slew of those looks. In this one, he missed a few early, but his ability to find the range deep is one of the main reasons why Ohio State pulled this one out. You almost expect the ball to go in when he releases with that smooth lefty stroke now.
I don’t know that he gets enough credit either for what his presence in the lineup means holistically for this team.