Top three former Ohio State basketball players in the NBA

#2: D’Angelo Russell

The second best former Ohio State Buckeye currently in the NBA is D’Angelo Russell. Russell only spent one season with the Buckeyes, however, that was all the time he needed to become the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.

During his time with Ohio State, he was named a consensus All-American, a member of the 2014-2015 All-Big Ten team, a member of the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and the 2014-2015 Big Ten Rookie of the Year.

Russell averaged an astounding 19.3 points per game during the regular season. This placed him 23rd in the entire country. Along with this, he was an amazing all-around player in his single season with the Buckeyes.

He averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on an astronomical 41.1% shooting percentage from three.

Russell has struggled to find a home in the NBA. He was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Golden State Warriors. Despite this, he has made a name for himself as an elite scorer and crafty finisher. Along with this, his playmaking ability has translated well in the NBA.

He currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves pairing him with Karl Anthony Towns. If both players are able to stay healthy, they are a young duo that could make some noise. At the age of 24, Russell has already made one All-Star game appearance and was also named to the 2015-2016 NBA All-Rookie team.

If Russell reaches a higher peak in his professional career or maintains an elevated level of play, he could overtake the number one spot.