Greg Oden

Thad Matta Honors David Lighty

admin — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 07:23:24 +0000

Ohio State’s David Lighty has played on the team for over four years, competing alongside NBA first-round picks like Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Jr. and Evan Turner. Until now, he has not gotten much public credit for his contributions, but this past Sunday everything changed. Prior to this week, Thad Matta had never awarded a player with the game ball. “I got 111 wins, so he gave me the game ball!” Lighty explained. With the Buckeye’s victory over Minnesota, Lighty earned his 111^th career win, breaking the OSU record.

Lighty’s fellow guard Jon Diebler explained that Lighty contributes greatly to the game by making his teammates better. “He may not average the most points, the most rebounds, the most assists or steals, but he’s a guy who we have to have on the court just because of all the intangibles that he brings.” Matta added that it is very fitting that a player of Lighty’s nature now has more wins than any other player in school. “The things that he has brought to this program, all the intangibles that he brings to the program… He’s definitely one of my all-times favorites that I’ve coached, anywhere.”

Jared Sullinger the New Greg Oden?

admin — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 09:29:52 +0000

Jared Sullinger of Ohio State has been compared to Greg Oden ever since he was honored with his second Big Ten Award as a freshman. He, like Oden, has led the Buckeyes through an incredible season. On Thursday, December 10^th, Sullinger made history by scoring forty points in a single game.

At first, it looked like the game would end in a loss for the Buckeyes, with the Jaguars up 50-41 with less than thirteen minutes left. Sullinger stepped up, though, and led his team to a 75-64 victory. “What’s the best way to stop him?” reporters asked IUPUI coach Ron Hunyter after the game. “Get him in the draft early,” he replied. “I don’t think he forced anything,” OSU coach Thad Matta said of Sullinger. “I didn’t think he did anything abnormal. It was there and he took advantage of it.”

Greg Oden Watches Ohio State Game

admin — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 07:24:03 +0000

Ever since Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger was honored with his second Big Ten Player of the Week, people have been comparing him with the Buckeye’s last freshman superstar Greg Oden. Both players led Ohio State through unbelievable seasons, and Oden was No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft after the nationals.

The Buckeyes had their final nonconference game this week, and Oden was there to watch and reminisce. Of Sullinger he said “the couple of games I’ve seen him, he’s really good and the sky’s the limit. I wish the best for him and this team.”

This was the first Ohio State game Oden visited in person since he left. He watched as his freshman teammate, fifth-year OSU senior David Lighty, contributed ten points to the Buckeye’s final score of 100-40. “To see him here still playing, I’m hoping and praying he gets a chance at the next level,” Oden said. “I’m excited for him.” Oden also shared that after the Buckeye’s win at Florida this season, he received a text message from Lighty saying “that was for us.” In 2006, Ohio State was defeated twice by the Gators.

Ohio State Reliving 2006?

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:19:11 +0000

Ohio State’s game on Saturday inevitably reminded all who were present (and all who read about it later) of the Buckeye’s 2006 season with Greg Oden. Jared Sullinger, a freshman following in Oden’s Big Ten footsteps, led the Buckeyes in a 79-57 victory over South Carolina, continuing their undefeated streak.

People are wondering if the two teams are similar. Ohio State coach Thad Matta says he gets asked a lot, but he doesn’t think so. “It’s a different makeup. It’s hard to explain.”

Greg Oden and Jared Sullinger

admin — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:44:36 +0000

Greg Oden was named Big Ten player of the week twice in one season, in year 2006, while a freshman at Ohio State. Jared Sullinger, the current Buckeyes center, has followed in his footsteps; he recently scored 40 points in a game against IUPUI, and was named Big Ten player of the week for the second time this season.

When asked if the two players are similar, Ohio State coach Thad Matta explained that they are completely different players. “Jared has two hands, which is important. He’s a little more polished around the basket. Greg was so dominant defensively and around the basket. Both of them are winners and both of them love to compete,” he said.

Ohio State’s Mr. Basketballs

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:44:33 +0000

The last four consecutive Associated Press Ohio High School Mr. Basketball awards have been given to Ohio State players. Jon Diebler was honored in 2007, followed by William Buford, the junior, in 2008. The freshman Jared Sullinger earned the award in both 2009 and 2010.
Ohio State has had two of the past five Mr. Basketball honorees in Indiana; Greg Oden in 2006 and Deshaun Thomas last year.

Greg Oden: Full-Court Shot

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:57:58 +0000

This is a video in which Greg Oden makes a full-court shot, much to the delight of his young fans.

Greg Oden’s College Career

admin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:34:38 +0000

Greg Oden is famous for his outstanding skills in basketball, but people often focus on his pro career. Oden actually had an impressive record during his high school and college experiences as well. In 2005, Oden and his teammate from Lawrence North, Mike Conley, Jr., announced that they would be going to Ohio State University at the start of the 2006 season. In one game, Oden finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks. He was described as a “once-in-a-decade player” by Steve Kerr.

Following a week where he had averaged 18 points and 11.5 rebounds, Oden was honored with Player of the Week, in January. In March, he was named First Team All-Big Ten as well as Defensive Player of the Year. Later, in the Sweet Sixteen (the regional semi-finals) of March Madness, Oden blocked a shot which preserved the 85-84 Ohio victory. He went on to lead the team to the 2007 National Championship. Oden scored 25 points, had 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in that game. In March 2007, Oden, along with a few others, was named to the Associated Press All-American Team. Oden and Kevin Durant were the third and fourth freshmen voted to the All-American First Team in history.

Greg Oden Takes Walk in Memory of Maurice Lucas

admin — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:30:14 +0000

Greg Oden was upset to hear of his former assistant coach’s passing last week. He shared that Maurice Lucas had been more than a coach to him; he had been a mentor and a father figure. Oden explained that Lucas had been the first to support him when he arrived in Chicago, and had invited him for dinners and holidays when he had no family in the area. He was also a leader on the court. Oden smiled while recalling his basic instructions; “Be aggressive. Go for everything.” He was a man Oden truly looked up to.
Lucas passed away at the age of 58 from bladder cancer. Coach Nate McMillan told the team that Lucas had wanted to go for a walk for quite a while, but had been unable to. After the meeting, Oden got up and just walked through Chicago in memory of Lucas, and thought back on the experiences they shared.

2009 Greg Oden Interview

admin — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:46:16 +0000

Portland Trail Blazer fans all know how valuable Greg Oden can be on the court. This is a video of an interview with him following the Blazers vs. Bulls game in 2009.