The Ohio State Buckeyes have a lot of work on their plate as they try to re-establish themselves as basketball powerhouses. After Chris Holtman failed to turn the ship around, Jake Diebler was given the reins to do some damage control and prepare the program for another run for March Madness next season.
While the future looks bright for the Buckeyes after Diebler led the team to a solid 8-3 finish to the season, there’s one issue that’s going to affect the team’s effectiveness in the 2024-25 NCAA men’s basketball campaign involving the head coach’s brother.
The issue has become so controversial that one former player has decided to speak up against a specific ruling that prevents a great coach from serving his alma mater.
Evan Turner speaks out against Jon Diebler’s inability to coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes due to state legislation
Jon Diebler was a standout player for the Buckeyes when he played for them from 2007-2011. The 6’6″ guard, who spent his entire college career in Columbus, averaged 10.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals a game.
While he didn’t jump to the NBA, he can teach the Buckeye backcourt on how to become more efficient shooters. He shot for 41.6% from the three-point line, and his knowledge would help his brother’s team become more efficient long-distance shooters.
However, Ohio has a set rule against nepotism and will forbid Jake from hiring his brother due to it becoming a fourth-degree felony.
Evan Turner, who played with Jon from 2008 until 2010, spoke out against the rule, citing that Diebler’s credentials should be enough to not become a nepotism-related hiring.
Per The Spun’s Chris Rosvoglou:
“My brother @J_Diebler broke the all time scoring record in the state of Ohio. Then he went to The Ohio State and broke the Big Ten Record,” Turner wrote on X. “After that, he played overseas for 10 years and won championships. Coached in the nba for a year and then has been with Butler.
“Respectfully, experience trumps nepotism in this case.”
The Ohio State Buckeyes need all the help they can get if they want to steal the college basketball crown from Purdue. While the task is easier with Zach Edey finally out of the picture, a team that struggled to make deep March Madness runs since 2013 must take advantage of every possible boost to their program.
While Jon Diebler won’t likely join his brother, Jake’s first full year as Ohio State head coach promises great things to come in the fall.
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