Greg Oden, D’Angelo Russell and Ohio State Alumni Inspire Current Buckeyes During Intense Offseason Workout at Columbus Facility

The summer offseason is often defined by development. It’s the quiet period—away from the bright lights of college arenas—where players lay the foundation for success. At Ohio State, that foundation was on full display this week, as a group of former Buckeye greats, including Greg Oden and D’Angelo Russell, returned to campus to work out with the current squad. The reunion wasn’t just a photo op; it was a statement of continuity, brotherhood, and the enduring legacy of Ohio State basketball.

In the modern era of college sports—where transfers are rampant and rosters constantly churn—there’s something powerful about seeing former stars come back, not for accolades, but to sweat, teach, and push the next generation forward. What unfolded at the Schottenstein Center and adjacent practice courts was less about nostalgia and more about setting a tone for what Buckeye basketball can be moving forward.

Legends Return With Purpose

Greg Oden’s presence alone carried weight. The former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick and 2007 NCAA runner-up still commands attention when he enters a room. Though his pro career was shortened by injuries, Oden has remained close to the game, particularly to Ohio State. Currently serving in a player development role within the athletic department, Oden isn’t just dropping in—he’s a hands-on mentor.

This week, Oden was seen working closely with the Buckeyes’ post players, offering tips on footwork, positioning, and rim protection. While his knees may not allow him to go full-court anymore, his mind for the game remains elite.

Then there’s D’Angelo Russell, fresh off another NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Russell, the smooth lefty guard who lit up the Big Ten during his lone season in Columbus in 2014-15, is known for his craftiness, vision, and cool demeanor. And even after nearly a decade away from the program, his presence was magnetic.

Russell joined the team’s backcourt in a series of skill stations and scrimmage sets, often pausing to give pointers to rising guards like Bruce Thornton and Taison Chatman. His feedback was sharp, specific, and encouraging.

“DLo told me to read the defender’s hips, not the ball,” Chatman shared after the workout. “Little stuff like that—man, it makes a difference.”

A Brotherhood Bigger Than Basketball

Joining Oden and Russell were several other notable alumni, including David Lighty, Evan Turner, Jared Sullinger, and Aaron Craft. These names represent more than highlight reels—they symbolize eras of success in Buckeye basketball, from Thad Matta’s heyday to the gritty, defensive-minded teams that made deep NCAA runs.

Together, they brought energy and intensity to what would otherwise be a routine June workout. More importantly, they brought perspective.

“They reminded us that playing at Ohio State is a privilege,” Thornton said. “They’ve all been where we are, and they’ve gone on to do big things—on and off the court.”

What made the gathering even more impactful was the blend of personalities and experiences. Turner, now a rising coaching voice after his playing days, was vocal throughout the session, hyping players and offering in-the-moment coaching. Sullinger, who has played professionally across the globe, focused on teaching young forwards how to use their body in the paint. Craft, the defensive wizard beloved by fans, showed current guards how to stay locked in mentally and physically across possessions.

These weren’t symbolic guest appearances—they were true collaborations. And that speaks volumes about the culture Ohio State is building under head coach Jake Diebler.

Diebler’s Vision: Honor the Past, Build the Future

For first-year head coach Jake Diebler, this week was as much about culture as it was basketball. After taking over late last season and guiding the Buckeyes to a spirited finish, Diebler has emphasized accountability, toughness, and a return to core values. He’s also made it clear that Ohio State’s past stars are always welcome.

“They helped build this place,” Diebler said. “Our job is to make sure that legacy lives on—not just in banners, but in the relationships we keep strong.”

Diebler’s approach seems to be resonating. The current roster, anchored by returning veterans and a few key newcomers, looks eager to absorb wisdom from their predecessors. And in return, the alumni seem genuinely excited about the program’s trajectory.

Russell echoed that sentiment in a brief media availability after the workout.

“Coach Diebler gets it,” Russell said. “He’s one of us. He played here. He’s coached here. And now he’s running it. The vibe feels right.”

Indeed, it’s not every day you see NBA players diving into closeouts, or former pros running sprints alongside current college kids. But in Columbus this week, that’s exactly what happened.

Bridging Generations, Cementing Standards

The symbolism of this workout goes beyond the court. It’s about creating a standard—one that stretches from Oden’s dominant 2006 team to Russell’s electric 2015 campaign and now into Diebler’s emerging era.

It also offers a unique recruiting pitch. In a time when high school prospects and transfers alike are searching for programs that feel like family, what better selling point than seeing elite alumni return not just to watch, but to work?

“It’s real,” assistant coach Brandon Bailey said. “We’re not just using these guys in recruiting graphics. They’re here. They care. They’re helping us grow.”

The players feel it too. Freshman guard Juni Mobley, one of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory, said he was blown away by the access and energy of the week.

“I grew up watching some of these guys,” Mobley said. “Now they’re helping me with my jumper? It’s surreal.”

What Comes Next

Ohio State’s 2025 season still sits months away. There are more summer workouts to grind through, team retreats to bond over, and plenty of film to dissect. But this moment—this reunion of legends and rising stars—felt like a turning point.

For a program that has teetered on the edge of resurgence, these signs of life matter. The buy-in, the belief, the brotherhood—it’s all trending in the right direction.

Greg Oden, standing with his hands on his hips and a smile stretched across his face, perhaps said it best as the players wrapped up:

“This isn’t just a visit. This is family.”

And that, ultimately, is what makes Ohio State more than just a basketball program. It’s a legacy that stretches across generations, fueled by sweat, sacrifice, and a shared standard of excellence—one workout at a time.