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How 'no egos' has allowed OSU women's chemistry to grow ahead of NCAA Tournament
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- How 'no egos' has allowed OSU women's chemistry to grow ahead of NCAA Tournament
After Ohio State women's basketball lost more than half its roster during the offseason, there was no doubt this year's team was going to have its differences from the last.
However, those differences run deeper than just changes to the lineup, as the returning Buckeyes have recognized a shift in the bond among the team.
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"I feel like everybody gets along. There's no secret animosity," redshirt junior guard Kennedy Cambridge said. "You play two minutes, you go out there and you're playing hard. It doesn't matter. I feel like there's no egos on this team this year."
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Kennedy Cambridge (3) and teammates celebrate after forward Seini Henry (15) made a three point shot in the second half of the NCAA basketball game against the Norfolk State Spartans at Value City Arena on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
The Buckeyes have leaned on their strong chemistry throughout the entire season and feel it fueled them to earn a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Beginning the season unranked by ESPN and AP Poll voters , the Buckeyes had to prove there was no dip in their talent level, despite only five of their 11 players being from last year's team.
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"I remember when we were in the locker room, and Kennedy had this little speech," sophomore guard Ava Watson said. "She was like, 'This just brings extra motivation.' People don't think we can do it. ... People don't believe in us, but we just believe in ourselves."
More: Ohio State's sophomore class plays crucial role in postseason
Once the season got going, Ohio State broke into the AP top 25 and peaked at No. 8 in the rankings.
The Buckeyes finished 24-6, which was just one loss off from their record last year, 24-5.
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Chance Gray (2) celebrates with guard Jaloni Cambridge (22) after Gray made a three point shot in the second half of the NCAA basketball game at Value City Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Correlating with Ohio State's success was its growing team chemistry. From playing "Imposter" on the flight to Seattle to the whole roster walking T'yana Todd out on Senior Night, it was the small moments that connected the Buckeyes.
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"The bond we share is like no other," sophomore point guard Jaloni Cambridge said. "It's one of the best teams I've played on, and it's not just from a basketball standpoint. It's off the court."
Ohio State senior guard Chance Gray says the "aura" around this Ohio State team has kept the chemistry strong off the court, and it's translating on the court.
When the Buckeyes reached the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament , they drew the same matchup against the No. 1 seed UCLA that led to their elimination in 2025.
While Ohio State still fell to the Bruins, the Buckeyes were in the game until the end, unlike last year, and were defeated by 10 points rather than 29.
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"I wouldn't want to play us," Jaloni Cambridge said. "We all want it, and we're all going to do everything we can, whether we win or lose, to make sure that we go out there and play our best game."
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Jaloni Cambridge (22) shoots past Michigan Wolverines guard Syla Swords (12) during the NCAA women's basketball game at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on Feb. 25, 2026. Ohio State lost 88-86 in overtime.
The Buckeyes are entering the NCAA Tournament looking to break a two-year streak of being eliminated on their home court in the second round, but first have to defeat the No. 14 seed Howard in the first round on March 21.
"We've made it our mission to get out of The Schott," sophomore center Elsa Lemmila said. "We have to focus one game at a time, but it's definitely our biggest mission."
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State women enter 2026 NCAA Tournament with strong team bond
