BUCKEYE BANTER: How Darrell Hazell “Stole” Ted Ginn Jr., Jake Diebler’s Family Dinner Vibes, and Matt Guerrieri’s Surprising Jump Shot Skills

At Ohio State, the past, present, and future have a way of blending together in stories that echo throughout Buckeye Nation. Whether it’s the tale of a coach seeing something special in a young athlete, a new basketball head coach strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, or a football coordinator flashing unexpected talent on the hardwood, these moments add flavor to the culture that defines Columbus. Each one may seem small on the surface, but together, they reflect the spirit and pulse of a school that lives and breathes athletic excellence. The latest blend of Buckeye stories brings us into the past with Darrell Hazell’s legendary decision regarding Ted Ginn Jr., to the present with Jake Diebler’s efforts to foster unity on the basketball team, and into a lighter, more surprising moment with Matt Guerrieri showcasing his basketball flair.

Let’s start with a piece of Buckeye football lore that never gets old. Darrell Hazell, former Ohio State assistant coach, once made a bold move that altered the trajectory of one of the most electrifying athletes in college football history. Ted Ginn Jr., a product of Cleveland Glenville High School, arrived at Ohio State as one of the nation’s top cornerback recruits. At the time, most expected Ginn to lock down receivers and dominate as a defensive back. But Hazell saw something different—something potentially game-breaking on the offensive side of the ball. So, Hazell pulled off what many consider one of the greatest “steals” in Buckeye history, convincing the coaching staff to shift Ginn from cornerback to wide receiver.

The impact was immediate. Ginn’s speed, agility, and elusiveness were simply too potent to be restricted to defense. As a receiver and return man, he terrorized opposing defenses and special teams. From 2004 to 2006, Ginn compiled 1,943 receiving yards, 21 total touchdowns, and countless jaw-dropping moments that made fans leap from their seats. One of the most iconic memories? The opening kickoff return touchdown against Florida in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game—a play that, despite what followed in that game, remains etched into Buckeye lore.

Hazell’s vision helped redefine the program’s offensive strategy, and Ginn’s shift opened doors for future Glenville athletes and skill position players who saw what was possible in scarlet and gray. It also illustrated how Ohio State coaches were willing to take creative risks to maximize talent. Hazell’s “theft” of Ginn from the cornerback room was less about robbery and more about unlocking potential. Today, it’s celebrated as a masterstroke of coaching intuition.

Fast forward to the present, and the Buckeye basketball program is undergoing its own transformation—one rooted in relationships, family, and trust. Jake Diebler, who took over the men’s basketball program with an eye toward long-term cultural strength, is already showing signs of the leadership style that could elevate Ohio State hoops. Recently, Diebler hosted a family-style dinner that brought players, coaches, and their families together—not for a team meeting or strategic planning session, but to simply share a meal and strengthen bonds off the court.

It’s a seemingly small gesture, but the symbolism carries weight. In a college basketball landscape increasingly driven by transfers, NIL deals, and shifting loyalties, Diebler is taking a stand for old-school values: team unity, interpersonal connection, and holistic support. He understands that success on the court is built on trust and chemistry, and what better way to cultivate that than through genuine human connection?

The dinner gave families a chance to interact with each other, fostering a sense of community around the program. For players—many of whom are far from home—the gathering served as a reminder that they’re not just part of a team, but part of something much deeper: a brotherhood built on shared goals, collective effort, and emotional support. Diebler’s dinner may not make SportsCenter, but it will echo in the locker room, in practice, and on game nights at Value City Arena.

One player in attendance noted how refreshing it was to see their coach embrace such an inclusive and human approach. “Coach Diebler makes you feel like he cares about you beyond basketball,” the player said. “That kind of connection makes you want to fight harder for each other.” In a game where talent can win you games but culture wins championships, Diebler is clearly laying the foundation for something special.

And speaking of multi-dimensional talent, Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator Matt Guerrieri made headlines for a completely unexpected reason. No, it wasn’t for a blitz package or an innovative coverage scheme. It was for his jump shot.

During a casual gym shootaround with players, Guerrieri took a few shots and surprised everyone with his form, range, and precision. Videos quickly surfaced online showing him sinking shot after shot with impressive accuracy. It wasn’t a fluke—Guerrieri clearly has some basketball history in his background. And while his duties are strictly focused on football, the moment offered a rare and welcome glimpse into his personality.

For a team that has been grinding through summer workouts and preparations for the upcoming season, seeing their coach let loose and show off his skills on the court added levity and relatability. It’s easy for players to view coaches as authority figures, removed from the pressures and joys of everyday life. But moments like this bridge that gap. They remind players that their coaches are athletes too—people who understand competition, frustration, and joy from firsthand experience.

Guerrieri’s jump shot not only earned him bragging rights, but it also helped forge a stronger connection with the locker room. Players joked about challenging him to a one-on-one matchup, and the moment became a talking point across social media. But more importantly, it fostered trust and camaraderie. Just like Diebler’s dinner, Guerrieri’s impromptu shootaround showed that Ohio State’s coaching staff isn’t just about wins and losses—they’re about building meaningful, lasting relationships.

Taken together, these stories—Hazell’s insight, Diebler’s leadership, Guerrieri’s authenticity—speak volumes about the Buckeye way. It’s not just a slogan or a branding effort. It’s a mindset, a culture, and a commitment to bringing out the best in everyone who wears the scarlet and gray.

From the moment an athlete steps onto campus, they’re immersed in a tradition that spans generations. But that tradition isn’t static. It’s constantly being renewed and reinvigorated by coaches and leaders who understand that success in Columbus is about more than schemes and stats. It’s about connection, belief, and the kind of shared purpose that turns good teams into great ones.

Hazell’s decision to move Ginn might’ve looked like a gamble, but it turned into gold. Diebler’s family dinner might not win a Big Ten title on its own, but it lays the foundation for the kind of unity that championships are built on. And Guerrieri’s jump shot might not help Ohio State on fourth and short, but it helps remind players that their coaches are right there with them—in the gym, on the field, and in the fight.

In the end, these moments might not be part of highlight reels, but they’re stitched into the fabric of Buckeye athletics. They create the stories that fans will tell for years, the memories that bind teams together, and the values that elevate a program from competitive to elite. And at Ohio State, where the bar is always high and the spotlight never dims, these small but powerful moments make all the difference.

As the new seasons approach and expectations rise, Ohio State’s coaches—past and present—are proving once again that it’s not just about how you win. It’s about how you lead, how you inspire, and how you make people feel along the way. Whether it’s “stealing” a star from the wrong side of the ball, breaking bread with your team, or dropping buckets in a surprise cameo, it’s all part of the same Buckeye tradition: excellence, heart, and an unshakable bond between those who wear the colors and those who guide them.

These are the stories that define Ohio State—not just the championships or the draft picks, but the character, vision, and unity that make the program what it is. The next chapter is still unwritten, but if the past and present are any indication, the Buckeyes are in good hands—on the field, on the court, and far beyond.