Four Potential Assistant Coach Candidates for Ohio State Men's Basketball
It was announced Tuesday that Talor Battle who was a first year assistant coach has departed for his alma mater Penn State.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — With the announcement that Talor Battle who was going into his second year with the Buckeyes, has accepted a similar role with his alma mater Penn State.
Today I will list five potential options I think that could replace him for the open vacancy.
Jon Diebler — Butler University Director of Recruiting
Yes, once again Jon Diebler’s name will be mentioned to fill the vacant role. But a Ohio State law is the only reason Jake Diebler’s younger brother has not been added to the Buckeye staff. But if the law is able to be worked around, the former Ohio Mr. Basketball would add an instant impact with recruiting, as this past season at Butler he helped recruit the number one ranked recruit in Bulldog history with incoming freshman Azavier Robinson.
CJ Walker — Former Buckeye Point Guard (2018-21)
The former Buckeye fan favorite has made his voice known that he wants to come back to Ohio State as an assistant coach on X. Walker is currently an assistant coach for the North Central High School girls basketball team. Walker would give the guard room a great mouthpiece and someone who was very technically sound in his time with Ohio State.
Roger Powell Jr — Current Valparaiso Head Coach
This is a long shot but could make sense, Powell and Diebler were assistant coaches together from 2016-2019 at Vanderbilt under Bryce Drew who is now the Grand Canyon head coach. Powell is currently 22-45 in his tenure with the Beacons, including a 15-19 record this season and back to back upset victories as the 11 seed in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Powell could look to rejoin his former running mate in Columbus as he has lost four current players to the transfer portal, with Cooper Schwieger committing to Wake Forest, and Freshman star All Wright being predicted to Xavier.
Scoonie Penn — Former Ohio State Point Guard (1998-2000)
This seems like a no brainer hire for the Buckeyes. Scoonie Penn has been a vocal supporter of the team for years now even when he was in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. The NBA mind of Penn could do wonders for an Ohio State guard room of John Mobley and Bruce Thornton who look to be NBA Bound after next season. Penn still has a close bond with the staff and has made several visits back in the past so it seems like it would be a no doubter to have him return and be apart of the staff.
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