Ohio State Men’s Basketball: Center Austin Parks Enters Transfer Portal

In a surprising move that has sent ripples throughout the Ohio State basketball community, Austin Parks, a promising young center for the Buckeyes, has entered the transfer portal. This marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the Ohio State men’s basketball team as it looks to the future, especially as the 2025 season approaches.

Parks, who was a highly touted recruit and showed flashes of potential during his time at Ohio State, had been a part of the program for one season. However, with a crowded depth chart and the competitive nature of the college basketball landscape, his decision to explore other opportunities has left many wondering what the future holds for both him and the Buckeyes.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into Austin Parks’ time at Ohio State, the reasons behind his transfer decision, what it means for the team moving forward, and what potential destinations could be in play for the young center.

Parks’ Journey to Ohio State

Austin Parks, a native of Akron, Ohio, was highly regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-9 and weighing 240 pounds, Parks came to Ohio State with the reputation of a physically gifted big man. Known for his ability to protect the rim, finish around the basket, and rebound, Parks was expected to play an important role for the Buckeyes in the 2024-2025 season.

In high school, Parks was a dominant force in the paint, averaging double-digit points and rebounds while also contributing with shot-blocking ability. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him an attractive recruit for the Buckeyes, and many saw him as a player who could help reshape the team’s frontcourt.

However, once Parks arrived in Columbus, he found himself in a much more competitive environment than he might have anticipated. Ohio State, under head coach Chris Holtmann, already had a number of veteran players in the frontcourt, including Zed Key, a returning starter who had been a crucial piece of the team’s success. The Buckeyes also had several other talented big men on the roster, making it challenging for Parks to carve out a consistent role during his freshman season.

Parks’ Freshman Season: Limited Minutes and Development

Despite the high expectations surrounding his arrival, Parks found it difficult to secure a significant role in the rotation during his first year at Ohio State. Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Parks played limited minutes, as Holtmann often turned to more experienced players in critical moments. With Zed Key and Felix Okpara, a promising freshman, ahead of him on the depth chart, Parks struggled to find consistent playing time in a competitive and talented frontcourt.

While he didn’t see major minutes, Parks still had some moments to showcase his abilities. His physicality and potential as a rim protector were evident, especially in practice and in limited action during games. In the time that he did play, Parks flashed his ability to finish in the paint, grab rebounds, and block shots. However, with Ohio State’s playoff hopes on the line and the team battling for seeding in the NCAA Tournament, Holtmann stuck with the veteran players who had more experience in high-pressure situations.

Parks’ lack of consistent playing time in his freshman year was undoubtedly frustrating for him. With his development still a work in progress, and the possibility of earning more minutes in future seasons, Parks found himself at a crossroads. The competition for minutes was only going to get tougher as new recruits joined the team, and Parks might have felt that his best path to growth and success lay elsewhere.

Why Did Austin Parks Enter the Transfer Portal?

The decision for Austin Parks to enter the transfer portal comes with a few key factors that likely contributed to his choice. While it’s difficult to know all the nuances of his thought process, there are several clear reasons that likely played a role in his decision to explore other opportunities.

1. Playing Time and Role on the Team

At Ohio State, Parks faced significant competition in the frontcourt, particularly from established players like Zed Key, who had already proven himself as a reliable contributor, and Felix Okpara, who was a highly touted recruit and had shown promise as a freshman. With Key returning for another season, and Okpara continuing to develop, Parks may have realized that earning consistent playing time would be challenging.

As a highly recruited player, Parks likely had aspirations to make a significant impact and play an integral role on a college basketball team. However, with Ohio State’s roster becoming more crowded in the frontcourt, it was clear that Parks would need to wait his turn and continue to develop behind more experienced players. His decision to enter the transfer portal could be an effort to find a situation where he can contribute more immediately and continue his growth as a player.

2. Opportunity for More Playing Time Elsewhere

The transfer portal has become a common avenue for players seeking more opportunities, and Parks is no exception. After spending a year at Ohio State and going through the challenges of a competitive depth chart, he may have felt that he had plateaued in his development at Ohio State. By transferring, Parks could land in a situation where he would be able to secure a starting role or receive more minutes to hone his skills.

For players like Parks, the ability to play regularly and improve is essential to their long-term success, whether they want to pursue a career in professional basketball or simply improve as a college athlete. Parks’ decision to seek a fresh start elsewhere could allow him to thrive in a more favorable environment where he can showcase his talents.

3. Scheme Fit and Development Needs

Ohio State’s system, led by Chris Holtmann, is designed to be balanced and relies heavily on versatile players who can contribute in multiple areas. For a player like Parks, who is known for his physicality and defensive abilities, he may have felt that Ohio State’s system didn’t fully align with his strengths. Holtmann’s emphasis on spreading the floor with versatile, mobile players might not have been the best fit for Parks, who excels in traditional post-play and rim protection.

By transferring to a school where the system is more focused on the development of big men or where Parks could be used in a different role, he may be able to unlock his full potential. Additionally, a new program may provide a coaching staff with a different developmental approach that could better cater to Parks’ needs and style of play.

4. Personal and Family Factors

While much of the discussion surrounding transfers focuses on playing time and fit, personal and family factors can also play a significant role in a player’s decision. Parks, being from Ohio, may have been influenced by various aspects of his personal life or family that made transferring the right choice for him. The pressures of being far from home, adjusting to a new city, and acclimating to a major college program can be overwhelming for some players, especially those still in the early stages of their college careers.

If Parks has family considerations or simply feels that a different environment would be better for his mental and emotional well-being, these factors could have influenced his decision to enter the portal.

What Does This Mean for Ohio State’s Roster?

Parks’ departure from Ohio State’s roster does impact the Buckeyes in a few key ways, particularly in their frontcourt depth. While Ohio State still has Zed Key, Felix Okpara, and Brice Sensabaugh (who is expected to play a bigger role in the upcoming season), losing a talented young big man like Parks means one less option for head coach Chris Holtmann to rotate in the post.

However, Ohio State’s coaching staff has shown they can adapt and succeed with a variety of lineup combinations, and they have more than enough talent to overcome this loss. With recruits like Trey Taylor and the continued development of players like Okpara, Holtmann can continue to build a balanced roster and ensure that the team remains competitive.

Additionally, Holtmann may look to the transfer portal to add another player who can fill the void left by Parks, whether it’s a big man or a more versatile forward. The transfer portal has become an important tool for programs like Ohio State to address immediate needs and continue to build depth.

Potential Landing Spots for Austin Parks

As Parks enters the transfer portal, speculation is already swirling about where he might land. Given his physical tools and potential as a rim protector and rebounder, Parks will likely have a number of suitors. Schools that are looking for an upgrade in the frontcourt and those with a history of developing big men could be ideal landing spots.

Parks could be a great fit at a mid-major school looking to bolster its inside presence, where he could step into a starting role and contribute immediately. Alternatively, some high-major programs with open spots in their frontcourt rotation may also target him as a potential contributor.

Ultimately, Parks will need to evaluate programs that offer him the right opportunity to play and develop his skills while also fitting within the team’s system and culture. His decision will likely be influenced by the chance to play significant minutes, contribute to a winning program, and continue his growth as a player.