Former Buckeyes’ React to Thad Matta Stepping Down as Ohio State Coach

After 13 years of coaching at Ohio State University, Thad Matta’s tenure has come to an end. In his 13 seasons, Thad Matta and the Buckeyes went 337-123 (.732) and appeared in the NCAA Tournament nine times. Matta coached Ohio State to five Big Ten regular season titles and four Big Ten tournament titles. Matta found success with high profile players like Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Evan Turner and D’Angelo Russell and also made strides with talents who weren’t as highly regarded in Aaron Craft, Jared Sullinger and Jon Diebler.

Following two years of struggles, Matta and Ohio State Athletic Director, Gene Smith, agreed that it was time for a change in leadership. Matta pointed out that he was also “trying to get healthy” in part of him stepping down.

A handful of ex-Buckeyes, from top picks still in the NBA like Turner and Russell to guys who are out of the league for one reason or another in Craft and Darnell Archey, showed love to Matta.

Several former Buckeyes’ had something to say about Coach Thad Matta:

I know this if it wasn't for Thad Matta, I would of never played D1. He took a chance on a 6 ft 140lb shooting guard. Forever grateful!

— Darnell Archey (@archey10) June 6, 2017

Thad Matta raised the bar for Buckeye basketball-one of the best that has ever done it!! Now, Barabara has a honey dew list for you!!!

— Jim Jackson (@jimjackson419) June 5, 2017

Never thought I'd see the day…. Coach you will be missed. It was a honor playing for the great Thad Matta! #Buckeyes #OH pic.twitter.com/wMI967lS8c

— Evan Ravenel (@e_rav24) June 5, 2017

Thank you coach for believing in me and pushing me to become a better human being. ?#buckeye4life pic.twitter.com/5KiJhz5G7s

— Mike Conley (@mconley11) June 5, 2017

Man, words can’t describe what Coach meant to me and the program! Wouldn’t have wanted to play for anyone else! pic.twitter.com/JmkQtJ8CcW

— Aaron Craft (@ACraft4) June 5, 2017

Thad Matta’s 13-year Ohio State resumé: 337–123 (.733), five B1G titles, four B1G tourney titles, 5 Sweet 16s, three Elite 8s, 2 Final Fours These stats aren’t even the reason why you’re still one of my favorite coaches til this day. Your enthusiasm, passion, knowledge, and humor are the reasons why I’m glad that I made the decision to become a buckeye when I was 17. Thanks for always be patient and accepting me for me. You helped me weed thru a lot of ups and down in order to be the player and man you knew I could become. I’ll forever love you for that and you’ll always be a legend and great man in my book. Cheers to Thad Matta, the great one! #GoBucks

A post shared by evan turner (@evanturner) on Jun 5, 2017 at 12:53pm PDT

We been through it all coach. What a pleasure to play for you!!! You will be missed. #OH #ForeverABuckeye pic.twitter.com/Nnc9ewlaoW

— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) June 5, 2017

RESPECT!

A post shared by D’Angelo Russell (@dloading) on Jun 5, 2017 at 1:02pm PDT