“Fast Learners: Gabe Cupps, Brandon Noel, and Christoph Tilly Impress as Buckeyes Adjust Quickly During Open Practice”
The energy inside the Ohio State practice facility buzzed with the excitement that comes from fresh faces and renewed hope. As the Buckeyes opened their doors to the public for a rare open practice, all eyes were on the newest members of the team, and none shied away from the spotlight more than Gabe Cupps, Brandon Noel, and Christoph Tilly. These three new additions, each from vastly different backgrounds and with different paths to Columbus, showcased more than just talent—they displayed poise, adaptability, and a firm grasp of what it means to be a Buckeye. With anticipation mounting for the upcoming season, their performances hinted that Ohio State’s foundation is already being solidified in summer workouts and scrimmages.
Gabe Cupps, the highly touted freshman from Centerville, Ohio, has arrived with significant attention following a successful high school career and national recognition. Despite the bright lights and pressure that come with being a hometown product joining a storied program, Cupps looked at ease on the court, operating with the kind of control rarely seen in a first-year player. His handle was tight, his vision sharp, and his command of the offense immediate. Running the point during half-court drills, he consistently found open teammates, recognized defensive breakdowns, and hit shots with confidence. It wasn’t just his play that stood out; it was how his teammates responded to him. Upperclassmen deferred to his direction in sets. Coaches praised his communication. On the surface, it looked like a player learning quickly, but those close to the program believe this is only the beginning of what Cupps can become in Columbus.
Brandon Noel brings a different dynamic to this Ohio State squad. A transfer from Wright State, Noel is older, more physically developed, and carries with him the experience of playing meaningful college basketball minutes. What stood out immediately was how seamlessly he has fit into the team’s schemes and culture. There was no adjustment period visible to the naked eye—just a veteran forward doing what he does best. Whether it was cleaning up the glass, rotating properly on defense, or setting solid screens in pick-and-roll action, Noel played with a sense of purpose and maturity. His footwork in the paint and soft touch around the rim were both evident, but what coaches seem to appreciate most is his consistency. In every drill and scrimmage, Noel showed up with intensity and accountability. He may not be the flashiest newcomer, but he’s already proving to be one of the most reliable.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the open practice was Christoph Tilly, a seven-footer from Germany who has flown under the radar compared to his fellow newcomers. Tilly might not have arrived with the hype of a four-star recruit or the resume of a transfer standout, but he’s rapidly making a name for himself inside the Buckeye facilities. Long and rangy with a knack for timing, Tilly’s defensive instincts were on full display. He altered shots at the rim, recovered well on switches, and communicated with surprising clarity for someone still adjusting to the language and speed of American basketball. Offensively, Tilly’s game is still raw, but the tools are all there: a soft shooting touch from midrange, a developing post game, and the willingness to move without the ball. Most importantly, he has embraced the Buckeyes’ hard-nosed approach to conditioning and physicality. He doesn’t shy away from contact, and while he has room to grow in terms of strength and polish, the coaching staff is encouraged by how rapidly he’s improving.
This early acclimation from all three is no accident. Head coach Jake Diebler and his staff have been intentional in crafting an environment that fosters both individual development and team chemistry from day one. Practices are fast-paced but organized, blending skill work with live game simulation. The open practice offered a clear window into the culture being built—one where hustle is non-negotiable, communication is constant, and accountability is demanded from everyone, regardless of experience. Veteran players were seen mentoring younger ones, and new faces like Cupps, Noel, and Tilly embraced every drill with a seriousness and hunger that turned heads. It’s clear these aren’t just talented players—they’re high-character individuals who understand the privilege and responsibility of playing for Ohio State.
That character has become a central theme in Diebler’s vision for the Buckeyes. In the past, the program has struggled with inconsistent performances and roster turnover, leading to missed postseason opportunities. This new era is defined by its emphasis on culture and cohesion. Diebler has spoken publicly about wanting players who “love the game, love their teammates, and love to compete,” and in Cupps, Noel, and Tilly, he seems to have found three who embody that philosophy. During breaks in action, the trio could be seen conversing with teammates, soaking up instruction, and applying it immediately in drills. There was no ego, no sense of entitlement—just work.
The open practice also offered fans a chance to see how this team might look stylistically heading into the season. Offensively, the Buckeyes ran a mix of high-tempo transition sets and deliberate half-court actions designed to get downhill and exploit mismatches. Cupps was at the center of most of these possessions, using his quickness and savvy to keep defenders off balance. Noel thrived as the screener and roll man, showing he could make plays in the short roll and knock down the occasional elbow jumper. Tilly, while not yet a focal point, showed flashes of what he might become as a stretch big, capable of spacing the floor or cleaning up misses with second-chance points.
Defensively, Ohio State looked committed to pressure and versatility. The coaching staff drilled switching on screens, early help rotations, and contesting every shot. Here again, Cupps impressed with his lateral movement and grit, refusing to back down from older, stronger guards. Noel anchored the paint with communication and positioning, while Tilly’s length was a legitimate deterrent at the rim. The defensive intensity from the entire group suggests that, regardless of how the offense develops, this team will be capable of winning ugly, grinding games—something that’s often necessary in the Big Ten.
Fan reactions to the open practice were overwhelmingly positive. Many in attendance remarked on the energy, cohesion, and hunger on display. It wasn’t just the stars or returning players earning applause—it was the new guys. Every hustle play from Cupps, every smart read from Noel, every emphatic block from Tilly received recognition from a crowd hungry to see Ohio State basketball return to national relevance. And the players responded in kind, staying after practice to sign autographs, take pictures, and connect with the fan base that will support them through the long grind of the season.
Looking ahead, the performances of Cupps, Noel, and Tilly in these early practices don’t just offer hope—they offer a roadmap. With these players acclimating so quickly, Ohio State can be bolder in how it approaches its rotation and depth. Cupps looks ready to contribute immediately in the backcourt. Noel provides a steady veteran presence in the frontcourt. Tilly, if he continues to develop at this pace, could become an X-factor by conference play. More importantly, their early buy-in is setting a tone for the rest of the roster. Culture is contagious, and it’s clear these three are part of the solution.
In a program eager to return to consistent NCAA Tournament appearances and chase a Big Ten title, every detail matters. Practice habits, communication, chemistry—they’re all foundational. So far, Gabe Cupps, Brandon Noel, and Christoph Tilly have shown that they not only understand that but are committed to living it every day. Their early impact is not just about points or stats—it’s about presence, purpose, and potential. And for Buckeye fans who packed the practice facility hoping for reasons to believe, the message was clear: the future is bright, the newcomers are ready, and Ohio State basketball is back on the rise.
