Jake Diebler got real about a major offseason addition the Buckeyes made in the form of a very familiar face
Jake Diebler made a big addition to his coaching staff this offseason with a former Ohio State basketball star. He opened up about the change this week as the Buckeyes began practice.
Ohio State Buckeyes basketball held its first official practice of the 2026-2027 college basketball season to start the week, and coach Jake Diebler had plenty to share about one of the program’s newest staff additions.
Former Buckeye Jared Sullinger is now the director of player development for Ohio State’s men’s basketball team, and Diebler made it clear the Columbus native is already making an impact.
Jake Diebler praises Jared Sullinger’s basketball IQ and influence on players at Ohio State
Diebler opened up about the addition to start the week with the Buckeyes back on the court in Columbus.
“Jared from the moment he started, you can feel his basketball IQ,” Diebler said, via Lettermen Row. “He’s great at grabbing guys, getting extra work in with them, giving them pointers. I try to be observant of everything that’s going on in practice, and we’ll be practicing. You can see him on the side. He’s got his arm around somebody, and he’s giving them some feedback. That stuff in real time like that. So the next time they go out and do a drill, or they’re playing. That’s so valuable.
“You’re talking about a guy who was really skilled. He’s got tremendous size. He can he can actually get out on the court and work with guys on that stuff. So I’ve been really impressed. He’s picked up. There’s been some stuff up in the office that he’s had to learn and things, and he’s picked it up so fast. Just really, really smart. And then you can feel he just kind of just oozes Ohio State, winning, right? Can’t have enough of that.”
Sullinger is a 2-time first-team All-American at Ohio State who played in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He averaged 17.3 points and 9.7 rebounds in his Buckeyes career over the course of 74 games. The Columbus native bleeds scarlet and gray, and bringing him back to the program is a positive addition for a staff looking to maximize its roster this season.
Sullinger spent five years in the NBA, appearing in 269 games with 179 starts while averaging 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. Four of those years were spent with the Boston Celtics, and he also played overseas in China. That combination of NBA experience and elite college production gives him a unique perspective to help Ohio State’s bigs prepare for what should be a demanding season.
Even though Sullinger isn’t an on-court coach, Diebler’s comments make it clear he has a defined role with this team. The Buckeyes return key players like John Mobley Jr. and A’Mare Bynum, as well as talented freshman Anthony Thompson. Ohio State added a transfer portal class expected to have a heavy influence on the roster. The expectations are legitimate for Ohio State to not only make the NCAA tournament but to push into the second weekend as well. Sullinger’s presence on the staff gives the program one more reason to feel good about where things are heading this season.
