A couple of years ago, the Ohio State basketball program had a massive decision to make. After firing Chris Holtmann midway through the season, the Buckeyes implemented Jake Diebler as the interim head coach. He took them to the NIT, almost getting them to the NCAA Tournament.
This was also as Gene Smith was transitioning out of the athletic director role. Ted Carter, who was the president at the time, decided to hire Ross Bjork. Bjork, while not officially the AD at the time, was empowered to hire the new basketball coach. He was down to Diebler and Dusty May.
Bjork decided to hire Diebler, even though he had never been a head coach before. Since then, the Buckeyes have made the NCAA Tournament just once and have no wins. Meanwhile, May played for a national championship on Monday, showing just how badly Bjork screwed this up.
Ross Bjork bungled the Ohio State basketball program
Bjork's failure to hire the right coach now has the Ohio State Buckeyes in a bad spot. Diebler has already lost Devin Royal to the Transfer Portal. If Juni Mobley gets drafted, he'll lose him, too. Three bench players have already declared for the portal, as well.
May turned a struggling TTUN program into a national title contender in just two seasons. Ohio State basketball fans are starting to get frustrated with the lack of success. Diebler's tournament hopes may hinge on five-star freshman Anthony Thompson, who will be the most talented player on the roster next season.
Diebler has done a horrendous job in the Transfer Portal since taking over as head coach. Over the last two years, only one portal player has been a net positive for the program. That was Micah Parrish. Everyone else has had a minimal or a negative impact.
With TTUN having so much success, all Buckeye fans can do is hope Diebler finds some success with Thompson. At least the football team looks strong again next year.