Just a few days ago, we put together a hypothetical NFL starting squad using only former Ohio State players on current NFL rosters. It was such a success, we decided to do the same thing with the basketball team. And while there’s not as many bodies to choose from, you could still put one together that wouldn’t be all that bad.
However, what is worth noting is that the Ohio State pipeline to the NBA has slowed down to a trickle. It’s no mystery why the success of the Buckeye team on the court in recent years has fallen off a little bit. When simply look at how many guys OSU is sending to the next level versus what was happening in the earlier days of the Thad Matta era, there has definitely been a decline.
Anyway, this exercise was pretty easy in one regard, but tough in another. There are only a total of four former Ohio State players currently in the NBA, so they make the team automatically. On the flip side, we had to go with a center that just left the NBA last year and is currently playing in Moscow, so yeah, we took some liberties there.
Anyway, off we go …
First up … The point guard
Point Guard
Mike Conley, Jr. – Utah Jazz
Our starting five will be anchored by point guard Mike Conley, Jr. He’s not a perennial NBA All-Star, but he’s close. He’s a H-O-R-S-E Champion, and left the Memphis Grizzlies as the organization’s all-time leading scorer before being traded to the Utah Jazz last year. He’s been a starter and significant contributor since he arrived in the league, averaging 14.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest.
Next … Shooting guard
Shooting Guard
D’Angelo Russell – Golden State Warriors
Having an All-Star as the No. 2 guard is a pretty good luxury. Russell may have struggled to find his place early in his career with the Lakers, but blossomed into a star with Brooklyn. He’s good with the ball in his hands, can create, and shoot from deep.
Next … Small Forward
Small Forward
Evan Turner – Atlanta Hawks
Turner may not have ultimately blossomed into the NBA player many thought he would, but he’s still had flashes of brilliance, and given the opportunity to shine as a secondary option, he’s got more than enough skills to be dangerous. He’s averaged almost 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during a career that’s had him bounce around a little.
Next … Power Forward
Power Forward
Keita Bates-Diop – Denver Nuggets
Bates-Diop provides us with a stretch-four man. One that has the length to post up in the lane, but with the shooting ability to bomb away from deep. He’s not going to break too many people down off the dribble, but has a high release point and a smooth shooting touch to get a shot off against almost anyone. His stats of about 6.0 points, and almost 3 rebounds a game is a solid option as a role player that can hit an open shot when needed. And, he’s still developing and could expand his game with more opportunities.
Next … The big man
Center
Kosta Koufos – Formerly Sacramento Kings
Koufos has been a journeyman but found his way to the Sacramento Kings last season. At seven-foot, he provides the much-needed height on the post, but he can also step out and hit the mid-range. He’s not going to put the team on his back and win a game, but he can add a much-needed dimension of defense and rebounding. He’s chipped in almost six points and five rebounds in just an average of sixteen minutes per contest during his career, but those numbers would go up with an increase in minutes.
Okay, so not quite as impressive as the football squad we put together, but this would be a competitive one. If you put together one from the likes of Duke, North Carolina, or Kentucky though — this Buckeye squad might be in trouble.
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