Ohio State Buckeyes Center Zed Key Enters NCAA Transfer Portal After Four Seasons

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be without veteran center Zed Key for the coming season.

Mar 26, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Zed Key (23) maneuvers around Georgia / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

The Ohio State Buckeyes have lost another valuable piece of their roster.

Veteran center Zed Key announced he would be entering his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal late Friday night after four seasons with the Buckeyes. Key's statement on social media received over 19,000 views on X within the first two hours.

Mar 26, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Zed Key (23) motions to fans as he / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

"These last four years have been nothing short of a dream come true," Key said. "From the moment I arrived on campus I felt embraced and accepted in this community and I'm forever grateful for every moment on and off the court. Playing for this university has been an honor that I will always cherish."

Key played 121 games with the Buckeyes since he debuted during the 2020-21 season, averaging over seven points and five rebounds per game over that time. Most recently, the Bay Shore, New York native saw action in 36 contests (his most in a single season), despite playing mostly off of the bench.

The past two seasons have been less than Ohio State had hoped for in terms of record and post-season action (if the team even made it that far). Key said he is appreciative of Buckeye Nation for showing up to games and team events despite the skid.

"To the fans who supported us through the ups and downs, I want to say thank you," Key said. "You make this place special, and I will always consider Columbus a second home because of you."

Finally, Key wished luck to his returning teammates and new head coach Jake Diebler. Key was the first of four players in attendance for Diebler's introductory press conference last month, and said he will continue to support the Scarlet and Gray next season.

"As the program turns thep page to a new era, it's time for me to do the same," Key said. "I wish Coach Diebler and the Ohio State basketball program nothing but the best. I will be rooting for you all."