Greg Oden is getting back in the game.
The former No. 1 overall pick is returning to Ohio State to join the Buckeyes’ coaching staff with an eye on eventually becoming a full-time coach, according to Adam Jardy of The Columbus Dispatch.
Oden, 33, will join head coach Chris Holtmann’s staff as a graduate assistant, which is a larger role than he previously held as a student manager under Thad Matta when he returned to earn his degree two years ago.
“I’m thankful, honestly, for coach Holt and his staff who have welcomed me in and given me this opportunity because that’s literally what I want to do is get into coaching,” Oden told The Dispatch. “One of. The toughest things to do is get your foot in the door, so for them to give me this opportunity while I’ able to actually get a Master’s degree in sports coaching from The Ohio State University, which I would love, is something that’s just amazing.”
As a graduate assistant, Oden will be able to spend more hands-on time with the team, such as participating in in more meetings and cutting up film, than he did in his previous role as student manager.
Oden also previously spent time as an assistant coach for the DC Stealth in The Professional Collegiate League.
“What it’s really about is being able to help the kids coming in and bring something to the university and be able to help these kids graduate and hopefully further their playing career,” he said. “I think I’ve got somethings I can add to that, off the court as well…That’s the reason why I want to be a coach in the first place.”
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