Eric Boggs
Greg Oden, despite playing only one season for Ohio State basketball, is set to be inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. His remarkable impact during the 2006-2007 season has left a lasting legacy that the university is keen to honor.
The 2007 season marked Ohio State’s last run at a national championship. The team was led by an exceptional trio of freshmen: Greg Oden, Mike Conley, and Daequan Cook. Their talent and teamwork propelled the Buckeyes to the championship game, where they eventually lost, but their journey was nothing short of spectacular.
After that memorable season, all three freshmen declared for the NBA Draft. Greg Oden, the top recruit in the country, was the first overall pick, selected by the Portland Trailblazers. Unfortunately, his career was plagued by a series of injuries, leading to an early and unceremonious end. Many unfairly labeled Oden as one of the biggest draft busts in league history. His name became synonymous with the Blazers’ misfortune, falling into the same unfortunate category as LaRue Martin, Sam Bowie, and Brandon Roy.
Oden made peace with his early retirement and returned to Columbus, where he served as a student manager while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sport industry. After graduating, he joined Edyoucore Sports & Entertainment as an athlete adviser, helping provide financial literacy training to those in the sports world. In 2022, Oden reunited with former Buckeyes head coach Thad Matta at Butler, taking on the role of director of basketball operations.
In his role at Butler, Oden has become an integral part of Matta’s staff, offering invaluable advice and insights to the Bulldogs’ big men. Center Jalen Thomas praised Oden’s impact, stating in the Ringer, “Just being able to pick his brain, asking him how it was going against other guys, bigger guys, being able to ask him those questions, is great. [He’s] definitely a big part of why I came.”
Oden’s contributions extend beyond the coaching staff, as he frequently engages with players in the film room and showcases his skills on the court. His exceptional footwork, touch, and power often leave his players in awe when they match up against him.
Oden’s induction into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame is a testament to his outstanding college performance. In his sole season, he averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and an impressive 3.3 blocks per game, establishing himself as a defensive powerhouse.
While Oden didn’t secure a national championship, his influence on the court and his status as one of the best recruits in Ohio State history make his Hall of Fame induction well-deserved. He joins an illustrious group of Buckeye legends in the class of 2024, all of whom played multiple seasons, highlighting the exceptional nature of Oden’s contribution during his brief but impactful time at Ohio State.
Greg Oden’s legacy at Ohio State serves as a benchmark for current and future recruits, cementing his place in the university’s storied athletic history.
