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Ohio State coach Jake Diebler, former players, praise family culture, expectations at OSU
Ohio State coach Jake Diebler, former players, praise family culture, expectations at OSU
The Ohio State basketball program welcomed in some former players for "Vet Week" over the last few days. It's been a great opportunity for the current players on the roster to connect with some of the legends and players that have donned the Scarlet and Gray in the past for some teaching, competition, and camaraderie.
One of the things those close to and inside the program always appreciate is the expectations and the family culture through the years. It's clear that the expectations haven't been met over the last decade or so, but head coach Jake Diebler is trying to change that. One thing that has not waned is the family atmosphere, hence all of the former guys coming back to the banks of the Olentangy to be a part of this week.
On Thursday, Diebler and the former players spoke to the current roster to let them know about being a part of an extended family and where the program should be going forward. It was a tough love type of moment, especially when the players talked.
"The family part of this program is one of my favorite things. It's real," Diebler said. "When we're playing in -- I don't care where -- there's going to be former players in the building and always watching. Their care level is elite. Care just as much as these guys care, because if you do, we'll do something special ..."Many of the guys right here are the ones that put those numbers (accolades) on the wall. You getting to wear Ohio State is the privilege of a lifetime. And our job is just to hold you to that standard."
You can watch the rest of the messaging, including guys like Scoonie Penn, D'Angelo Russel, and JJ Sullinger looking to hold the team accountable.
Here's to hoping all of this messaging, optimism, and hard work translates to more wins this season, one that results in some of those special things Diebler and the former players were talking about.
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