Six takeaways from Chris Holtmann’s Ohio State introduction

Chris Holtmann was introduced Monday morning as the 14th head coach in Ohio State men's basketball history, after leaving Butler University following a three-year run with the program that featured three NCAA tournament appearances. Here are five things we learned.

“The Ohio State Way”: Holtmann did everything but mention “The Butler Way” when talking about his goals for the program. The same principles he mentioned consistently during his time in Hinkle Fieldhouse resurfaced when he addressed the media. He said he met with players Friday.

"Aggressive, attacking,” Holtmann said of what he expects from the Buckeyes' style of play. “We want to be physical and tough and tough-minded. We want our guys to play with freedom. We want them to cut loose and play. I think that's what people will see."

Playing to the audience:Holtmann made numerous references to the history of Ohio State’s basketball program, citing the number of Big Ten titles and tournament wins the Buckeyes have accumulated. He also thanked the former players who have already reached out with well-wishes, and said he wants them to remain a part of the program.

"We want (former players) around as much as they want to be around,” he said. “We're indebted to them. Their connection to this program is vital and extremely important. We're going to work extremely hard to make you guys proud."

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Holtmann also acknowledged Thad Matta, the former Butler coach who he replaces in Columbus.

"He's a man of great character and he loves this place,” Holtmann said. “It was important to me that I had his blessing. The standard he set here in incredible."

Recruiting the state: Holtmann made numerous references to recruiting, and specifically recruiting the state of Ohio. He said he has recruited in the state for more than 20 years, and that will continue to be of utmost importance.

"The first hour (I was eligible) I made (recruiting) calls. This past weekend has been Ohio (focused). We hit the ground running,” he said. “This place is incredible. People understand that. I think we're going to have a great opportunity (recruiting.) Any time you take a job at this point, you have a little bit of catch-up. We understand that."

Five players on last year’s Buckeyes roster were from Ohio. Kaleb Wesson, a four-star center and one of the team’s 2017 recruits, is also from the state. Dane Goodwin and Justin Ahrens are the lone 2018 Buckeyes commits. Goodwin is a four-star shooting guard from Columbus and Ahrens is a three-star small forward from Versailles, Ohio. They have both said they are sticking with Ohio State.

Uphill climb:Both Holtmann and athletic director Gene Smith acknowledged that it could be a challenging next several years for the program. The team was 17-15 last season and 7-11 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have missed the NCAA tournament in back-to-back years after making it in eight of the previous nine seasons and making the Final Four twice.

“One of the reasons you come to a place like this is because you understand expectations come with it,” Holtmann said. “We understand we have some work ahead of us. This is a program that's used to competing for championships and competing in the NCAA tournament. We're going to work to make that happen."

Rising to the challenge:Holtmann emphasized that, much as he did at Butler, he will build a tough non-conference schedule for the Buckeyes. Last season, Ohio State’s non-conference strength of schedule ranked 111^th in the country. By comparison, Butler played the 12^th-toughest non-conference schedule in the country.

No word on who’s coming with:Holtmann eluded a question regarding what his coaching staff might look like (though it is already known that Mike Schrage is coming with him from Butler. Terry Johnson and Ryan Pedon also have offers to join Holtmann's staff if they don't fill Butler's vacancy.)

"We're going to build an incredible staff. I can promise you that,” he said. “That will take place in the coming days to weeks. It's going to happen quickly. There are some wheels in motion, but there's nothing I can speak to right now."