BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State are all excited has the former legend Greg Oden and Director of Player Development at Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment has officially return to his former team as a senior coaching…

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BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State are all excited as the former legend Greg Oden and Director of Player Development at Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment has officially returned to his former team as a senior coaching

The Ohio State basketball community is abuzz with excitement as one of its most celebrated figures makes a triumphant return to the program. Greg Oden, the former Buckeye star and NBA No. 1 overall pick, is officially rejoining the Ohio State men’s basketball team in a new and impactful role: senior coach. This move marks a full-circle moment for Oden, whose basketball journey began on the hardwood floors of Value City Arena, and now continues there in a new capacity.

Oden’s return is not only a nod to his legacy as a player but also a testament to his evolution off the court. After years of battling injuries that shortened his professional playing career, he has emerged as a thoughtful mentor, leader, and educator in the realm of player development. Most recently serving as Director of Player Development at Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment, Oden has proven his dedication to supporting athletes beyond just the physical aspects of the game. His expertise in personal development, financial literacy, and emotional resilience adds a new dimension to the coaching team at Ohio State.

The decision to bring Oden back into the fold speaks volumes about the direction of the Buckeyes’ program under head coach Jake Diebler. Diebler, who recently took the reins as the program’s permanent head coach, has shown a clear commitment to blending tradition with innovation. By re-integrating former players into the coaching staff, he is building a culture that honors Ohio State’s rich basketball history while preparing current and future players for the ever-evolving challenges of modern athletics.

Oden, now in his mid-30s, brings a unique blend of experience and relatability. As a former student-athlete who faced immense pressure and expectation, he understands what it means to carry the weight of a program on one’s shoulders. His experiences—both triumphant and trying—offer invaluable lessons to today’s Buckeyes. His presence in the locker room, on the practice court, and in individual mentoring sessions will serve as a source of inspiration and guidance.

For fans of Ohio State, Oden’s return evokes memories of the 2006–07 season, when he led the Buckeyes to a national championship game appearance as a freshman. Despite playing with an injured right wrist for much of the season, Oden dominated college basketball with his towering presence, averaging 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. His performance during that season earned him multiple accolades, including being named a consensus second-team All-American. His NBA career, though plagued by injuries, began with significant promise when he was selected first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Since stepping away from playing professionally, Oden has devoted himself to personal growth and education. He returned to Ohio State to complete his degree, graduating in 2019, and later took on various roles that allowed him to mentor young athletes. His most recent position at Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment saw him working closely with athletes to help them manage the often complex landscape of financial decisions, public expectations, and career transitions.

The Buckeyes’ decision to name Oden a senior coach is strategic as much as it is sentimental. With the ever-changing dynamics of NCAA athletics—especially in the era of NIL (name, image, likeness) opportunities and the transfer portal—having someone like Oden, who is deeply familiar with the pressures of being a high-profile athlete, is crucial. He can provide players with not just technical insights, but also with emotional and psychological support.

Reactions from the Ohio State community have been overwhelmingly positive. Former teammates, fans, and media figures alike have praised the move. Many see it as a win-win scenario: the program gains a respected figure who can enhance its recruiting and development efforts, while Oden gets a chance to solidify his legacy in a new chapter of Buckeye basketball. There is a sense of poetic justice in Oden returning not only to the university that helped launch his career but to the same program that supported him during some of the darkest moments of his injury-plagued journey.

Coach Diebler expressed enthusiasm about the addition, stating that Oden’s perspective and experience will be invaluable to both players and staff. He emphasized that Oden’s impact will go beyond X’s and O’s, pointing out that his ability to connect with players on a personal level makes him a vital addition to the coaching team.

Oden himself has expressed deep gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. In his first public statement since the announcement, he said, “Coming back to Ohio State feels like coming home. This program means the world to me, and I’m honored to help shape the next generation of Buckeye basketball players. I’ve learned so much since my time here as a player, and I’m eager to pass on those lessons in any way I can.”

Beyond coaching, Oden is expected to play a key role in player mentorship and program development. His understanding of personal branding, mental health, and long-term planning is particularly timely, given the shifting priorities and pressures faced by today’s collegiate athletes. In many ways, his presence signals a more holistic approach to athlete development at Ohio State—one that values not just wins and losses, but the complete well-being of the student-athletes.

The Ohio State athletics department has also welcomed Oden’s return, noting that his involvement will boost the program’s profile nationally. Recruits often look to coaching staffs to evaluate how a program will support them not just as athletes, but as people. With Oden in the mix, Ohio State can confidently present a compelling vision of success that extends beyond basketball.

It’s rare for programs to have the opportunity to bring back a former player of Oden’s stature in such a meaningful capacity. His journey—marked by success, adversity, redemption, and growth—offers a powerful narrative that aligns perfectly with the values Ohio State seeks to uphold. As he steps into his role as senior coach, he does so with the weight of expectation, but also with the wisdom earned through a life lived in the spotlight.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Buckeyes—not just for their performance on the court, but for the impact Greg Oden will undoubtedly have behind the scenes. In a world where college sports are evolving rapidly, Ohio State’s decision to bring Oden home is a bold and heartening statement: that legacy matters, that growth is possible, and that the journey never truly ends.