Ohio State transfer guard Roddy Gayle speaks to the media on Thursday I Michigan Basketball I #Goblue
Both Michigan And Ohio State are ushering in a new era in their basketball programs with coaching changes. Despite all the changes at the Wolverines and Buckeyes, there is one constant between the last and the current season: Roddy Gayle Jr.
Gayle spoke about the possibility of overcoming the Columbus-Ann Arbor rivalry in the transfer portal at a press conference last week, saying he fully understands his decision and is waiting to see if it moves him between the two schools.
“It’s very interesting. Not many people do this,” Gayle said. “I’m just glad I’m here in Ann Arbor.”
Gayle spent two seasons at Ohio State, where he appeared in 71 games, including 46 starts when he played full-time last year. He averaged 9.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and two assists in those two seasons. He improved to 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a sophomore.
After the season, however, Gayle put his name in the portal. The Wolverines were one of the first teams to reach out to him, and after a visit, he committed to the maize and blue just over two weeks later.
Gayle signed as SG No. 13 and No. 75 overall in On3’s transfer portal Top Players 2024. He joined as one of six transfers under the new management of Dusty May.
Now at his new school, Gayle believes he will fit well into the system they want to play in.
“I am confident that Dusty May and his team will be successful and will put me in an excellent position for success.”
“Dusty’s track record is no mystery. I think he had a great run with FAU and I feel like he’s taken this program to places they never knew they could be,” Gayle said. “With his attacking strategies, his attacking mindset and Coach Boynton’s defensive principles? I think when those two come together, it’s going to be great for me personally, just because I’m a player that plays both ways. I think that was a great way for me to put myself in a position to be successful in the future.”
Michigan and Ohio State are not on good terms with each other in anything they do. Gayle just hopes he can focus on what he’s doing right now until he has to deal with what comes with it when he returns to Value City Arena.
“I’m doing great here,” Gayle said. “I’m glad it’s all over now, you know, until the game comes and we have to go to Columbus. The game is highly anticipated and I honestly can’t wait.”
