Locals in Men's College Basketball this season
Volume 3 Issue 30
With college basketball season right around the corner, here is a look at all the locals playing NCAA DI ball this year.
The Ohio State Connection
Three locals will be suiting up for the Buckeyes this season. Returning is Kalen Etzler (Convoy Crestview) and Austin Parks (St. Marys Memorial). Two big men who saw little action last season but are looking for increased time off the bench this year. The biggest new addition is Mr. Basketball Colin White (Ottawa-Glandorf). White led the Titans to four straight final fours and enters Ohio State as their number one freshman and prized recruit. Heading into the season it is unclear how much of a role he play as just a true freshman.
The Transfer Portal
A few local athletes have taken their talents to other universities this season to either use their last bit of eligiibility or find greener pastures.
Da’Sean Nelson (Toledo Rogers) starred at DePaul as really their only main weapon in what was a disappointing year for the Blue Demons. This year he will be suiting up for Eastern Michigan as he and the Eagles try and make a run for the MAC title.
Nelson’s former Rogers teammate Jamiya Neal (Toledo Rogers) has gone from one major team to another. Neal has starred at Arizona State and has appeared in March Madness but has flirted with the transfer portal before. Now, Neal will be in the highly competitive Big East as he will be playing for Creighton. Expect Neal to make an immediate impact for the Bluejays.
Tahj Staveskie (Sandusky) has transfered to Cleveland State from Canisius after an injury shortened season last year. Staveskie started every game two years ago for the Golden Griffins but only played in two contests last year before going down to injury. He and Vikings will be in the hunt for a Horizon League title and potential March Madness spot.
A Toledo star who lost his season high school senior season to injury is looking for a fresh start. Chico Johnson (Toledo Central Catholic) was with the Drake Bulldogs last year but has transfered to USC-Upstate to follow his assistant coach. Johnson will help turn the Spartans around as they finished last in the Big South conference a year ago.
Staying Put
In the modern world of the transfer portal, there are still a few local athletes looking to make a mark on their program.
Cli’ron Hornbeak (Toledo St. Francis) has been quite a force for the Kent State Golden Flashes. He has been a consistent starter for them the past two seasons and is expected to be one of their top players this year.
Senior Zeb Jackson (Maumee Valley Country Day) is hoping to get VCU back in March Madness. Jackson was a starter for the Rams last year and just narrowly missed the big dance as they went 24-14.
Big man Derek Vorst (Rossford) played in 21 games last year for Indiana State. Expect to see increased action from Vorst now that he has a season under his belt.
New Faces
Two-time Toledo Blade Player of the Year Sean Craig (Sylvania Northview) is moving up from Division II Indianapolis to the Horizon League’s IUPUI. Expect Craig to be in the rotation as a big man for the Jaguars.
Jamir Simpson (Lima Senior) is heading out west to play for Southern Utah after playing for DII Wisconsin-Parkside. Expect Simpson to play a major role for the Thunderbirds as they try to make their mark in the WAC.
True freshman Jaylen Murphy (Toledo St. John’s) will be suiting up for his hometown Toledo Rockets. The 6’03 guard was First Team All-Toledo Blade last year.
See the college basketball TV schedule to be sure you don't miss a game with any of the locals: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/schedule