John Mobley Jr. walked into the gym last summer as a shooter. He’s walking out as something much more dangerous. Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler has watched his sophomore guard transform from a spot-up threat into the kind of complete player who could finally get the Buckeyes back to March Madness after three straight years on the outside looking in.
How Has John Mobley Jr. Evolved Beyond Just Shooting?
During a recent interview, Diebler couldn’t hide his excitement about Mobley Jr.’s development as a facilitator. The coach sees a player who’s figured out how to use the attention his shooting draws to create opportunities for everyone else on the court.
“I also think he developed as a playmaker last year, which is going to be important for his ability to create for others because of the attention that he draws, when he’s out there, is going to be big for us,” Diebler stated.
That’s a massive leap for someone who averaged just 2.2 assists per game as a freshman. Back then, Mobley Jr. was content to catch and shoot. Now he’s reading defenses, finding open teammates, and making the kind of plays that separate good guards from great ones.
The growth goes beyond basketball skills. Diebler has noticed a different player entirely, someone who carries himself with the confidence of a leader rather than a role player trying to find his place.
“I’ve been really impressed with how he’s handled himself, his maturity, his approach, his work ethic, he’s got a different intensity to him right now,” Diebler observed. The coach’s praise highlights how Mobley Jr. has used the summer months to completely reshape his approach to the game.
What Does This Mean for Ohio State’s Championship Hopes?
The timing couldn’t be better. Ohio State has missed three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, and Diebler knows his team needs players who can do more than just fill up the stat sheet. They need guys who can create scoring chances while keeping defenses honest with their own shooting ability.
Diebler has made two things clear priorities for the 2025-26 season: raising the team’s basketball IQ and pushing the pace on offense. Mobley Jr.’s evolution as a playmaker hits both targets perfectly. He’s become exactly the kind of dynamic weapon that can break down opposing defenses while keeping his teammates involved.
The numbers from his freshman year tell the story of a player ready to take the next step. Mobley Jr. averaged 13.0 points per game and knocked down 77 three-pointers, which ranked second among all Big Ten players. Now imagine those shooting numbers combined with improved court vision and leadership skills.
His transformation from a spot-up shooter to a complete floor general gives Ohio State something they’ve been missing. The coaching staff believes this expanded skill set will finally allow the Buckeyes to compete with the elite programs that have dominated the Big Ten in recent years.
“Well, you know if he finishes the summer off like he started and carries that into the preseason in the fall, he’s going to make a real jump,” Diebler stated. The coach’s confidence suggests Mobley Jr. won’t just be a contributor this season. He’ll be the guy leading Ohio State’s charge back to March Madness after years of disappointment.
