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Ohio State hoops welcoming former star, No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick back to staff
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
One of the greatest players in the history of Ohio State basketball is joining the staff this upcoming season.
Former Ohio State center Greg Oden is returning to the program as a graduate student, with the goal of eventually becoming a full-time coach, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Oden previously served under Thad Matta as a student manager in 2016.
Oden was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Oden dealt with a variety of injuries during his pro career, which spanned from 2007-2014.
Oden is grateful to Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann for the opportunity.
“I’m thankful, honestly, for coach Holt and his staff who have welcomed me in and given me this opportunity because that’s literally what I want to do is get into coaching,” Oden said via The Dispatch. “One of the toughest things to do is get your foot in the door, so for them to give me this opportunity while I’m able to actually get a Master’s degree in sports coaching from The Ohio State University, which I would love, is something that’s just amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m just so thankful and ready to take advantage of this opportunity.”
While at Ohio State, Oden guided the 2006-2007 team to its first national championship game appearance since 1960 en route to earning first-team All-American honors.
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.