Ad Disclosure
Chris Holtmann says Ohio State football commit J.T. Tuimoloau ‘a ways away’ from joining hoops team
Published:
J.T. Tuimoloau might have the opportunity to be a two-sport athlete at Ohio State. The 5-star football commit is also interested in joining the basketball team while in Columbus.
But it’s not going to be as simple as just expressing interest in playing. Head men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann said there’s going to be some conversations before Tuimoloau suits up in a basketball uniform.
“I think we’re a ways away from him stepping onto a court,” Holtmann said, per Eleven Warriors. “Ryan (Day) and I will have conversations. It’ll, I’m sure, ultimately will come down to what the young man and his family really want to do.”
Tuimoloau was ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2021 class and committed to Ohio State in the summer months. He’s obviously incredibly skilled on the field.
Holtmann said he’s watched film on Tiuimoloau as a basketball prospect, too. And while he’s impressed by what he’s seen, Holtmann doesn’t want to distract from Ohio State’s goal on the football field.
“I’m not gonna stand in the way of a national championship or a first-round pick,” Holtmann said.
Ohio State’s football team is scheduled to open the 2021 season on the road against Minnesota on Thursday, Sept. 2.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB