The Ohio State basketball program doesn't have much representation in the NBA. There are only a handful of guys who are in the league. Jake Diebler is working on fixing that now that he is the head coach of the Buckeyes. He wants to get that NBA talent back, and freshman Anthony Thompson could be that talent.
Mike Conley is one of those players who is still in the league. He played one season for the Ohio State Buckeyes back in 2007 and helped lead them to a National Championship Game appearance. He and teammate Greg Oden game just one game away from leading Ohio State to its first national championship since 1960.
Since then, he has played 19 seasons in the NBA. He has played for three teams over that timespan and currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota was just eliminated from the playoffs by the Spurs. However, Conley wants to return for a 20th season.
Former Ohio State basketball player Mike Conley wants to return next year
Conley is 38 years old, but he wants to keep playing. He is a free agent, but he said that his strong offensive play during the playoffs proves to him that he can still do it. That is why he wants to play at least one more year in the league. Quite frankly, he can still be of service to a team out there.
At this point in his career, Conley could decide to sign a veteran minimum contract to chase a ring. He has never made the NBA Finals, let alone won a championship. If that is what is most important to him, he could sign a cheap deal with a contending team. His veteran leadership would certainly be welcome.
Conley could also decide to return to Minnesota, which is where he has found a home the last few years. He provided them with some much-needed shot-making in the postseason. Without him, they might have been eliminated sooner than they were.
Ohio State basketball fans need to celebrate Mike Conley more
When thinking about Ohio State basketball legends, Conley isn't immediately thought of as one. That should change. He has proven that he is one of the best players to ever come through the program. In his one season with the Buckeyes, Conley was first-team All-Big Ten.
His accomplishments in the NBA would be greater if he had played in the Eastern Conference. He is just a one-time All-Star, but that is because he has played in a loaded Western Conference his entire career. The guard spot was loaded over the last few years, so that hurt his resume a bit.
Still, Conley needs to be celebrated more by fans of the Buckeyes. He's one of the few Ohio State basketball players in the league, and he has clearly been the best one over the past few years. He was one of the best players that Thad Matta ever brought to Columbus, and fans need to enjoy him before he calls it quits.
Add us as a preferred source on Google