Together, the three are expected to spearhead a new-look Ohio State roster with hopes of not just making the NCAA Tournament but of making a run. No one on the roster has played more games for the Buckeyes than Mobley, the Big Ten’s fourth-leading returning scorer, who is also entering his junior season. Bynum, a sophomore, steadily saw his playing time and production rise in 2025-26, and with continued growth, could be poised for a breakout year.

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Pippen will be expected to mesh with them while also growing his own game. An honorable mention All-ACC pick as a sophomore, Pippen was Cal’s second-leading scorer (14.2 points per game) and leader in assists (4.6). He recorded 61 steals, fourth in program history for a season, and was tied for second on the team with 19 blocked shots.

When he first spoke with Diebler, Pippen asked how much the Buckeyes were wedded to the zone defense they occasionally deployed last season. Pippen wanted to match up, defend and create opportunities for the Buckeyes with his defensive skills.

It quickly endeared him to Diebler, who is looking to improve a program that, according to KenPom.com, hasn’t finished better than 50th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency in any of the past six seasons.

“We wanted to get bigger on the perimeter,” Diebler said of the 6-foot-4, 190-pound Pippen. “He can pass, he can rebound, he can get fouled, he can shoot. He checked all the boxes for us, and I know he’s a great young man.”

Pippen describes himself as a versatile player who can play both point and shooting guard alongside Mobley. He considers himself primarily a point guard, though, and did not hesitate when asked about his preference.

“I would say I’m a two-way player, two-way playmaker if anything,” he said. “I want to be a physical defender, so I want to set the tone for this team on the defensive end, and offensively we can do everything. Kind of just being a [point/shooting guard], playing on and off the ball and creating shots for myself and my teammates.

“I feel like I’ve always been a good facilitator. Taking what the defense gives me, kicking it out, making the right plays, finding the right person.”

Ohio State men's basketball beat writer Adam Jardy can be reached at ajardy@dispatch.com, on Bluesky at @cdadamjardy.bsky.social or on Twitter at @AdamJardy.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why Justin Pippen picked Ohio State basketball in transfer portal