Ryan Pedon, one of Ohio State’s three assistant coaches, has constantly repeated the same phrase to senior point guard C.J. Jackson over the past few months.
“Set the temperature in the room, man.”
It’s only natural that Jackson would slide into the role as the team’s de facto leader. He’s the team’s starting point guard and one of three seniors, and the other two are a graduate transfer (Keyshawn Woods) and a former walk-on (Joey Lane). The problem, though, is the role requires him getting out of his comfort zone.
Last season, the Buckeyes followed Jae’Sean Tate’s lead.