Ohio State Basketball: Jake Diebler hiring better work for Bjork

The Ohio State basketball team has a new head coach as Jake Diebler takes over the reins on a non-interim level. This is a crucial first hire for new athletic director Ross Bjork, as this hire will set a tone for Bjork's tenure.

It's a surprising move, to say the least. Yes, Diebler did a terrific job down the stretch run in getting his players ready and prepared for the games. And he does have big-time connections in the state of Ohio on the recruiting front, something that is much needed as there is some excellent talent coming through the pipelines currently.

But let's be honest. This was the safe hire. It was easy to sell the fan base on an Ohio native son. On a coach who got his team playing at a higher level down the stretch. On a guy whose brother was one of the better Ohio State basketball players in recent memory.

Bjork better be right in this hire. This is one of the most profitable athletic departments in the country. Even though basketball is not the main draw in Columbus, money should not have been an issue when trying to hire a coach. And I have to be honest, I'm a little worried that Bjork did not do a great job of attracting top-tier candidates for the position.

It seemed like some of those who were linked to the job, Lamont Paris for one, used the Ohio State basketball job to leverage a pair raise at their current school. The only real name that I believe was truly connected to the job was Dusty May at FAU, but with him, I think he's waiting for that Indiana job to open up.

Maybe Bjork looked at several top-tier coaches and decided Diebler was a better option. But somehow I doubt that was the case. I just hope it works out because if not, Bjork's setting the wrong tone for his tenure at Ohio State.