Ohio State announced that head coach Jake Diebler has brought former Buckeye guard William Buford onto his staff as a program assistant, marking the latest addition to a reshaped coaching roster.
A Legacy Returns to Columbus
Buford, a Toledo native, starred for Ohio State from 2008 to 2012, earning Mr. Basketball honors in his state, McDonald's All‑American status, and a place among the program's all‑time leading scorers. He finished fourth on the school's scoring list with 1,990 points, tying the legacy of Jerry Lucas, and helped the Buckeyes reach four consecutive NCAA tournaments, including a Final Four appearance in 2012.
After going undrafted in 2012, Buford embarked on a 14‑year professional career that took him to Germany, France, Greece, Italy and Turkey, where he became known for his scoring consistency and leadership. He capped his overseas journey by captaining the alumni team Carmen's Crew to a TBT championship in 2019, earning tournament MVP honors in the process.
Staff Shuffle at Ohio State
Diebler used the announcement to highlight a series of staff changes, promoting Jamall Walker to associate head coach and bringing in Mike Wells and Dave Richardson. The moves reflect an effort to blend fresh ideas with the program's rich history as the Buckeyes aim to build on recent successes.
The additions underscore a continued commitment to developing talent both on and off the court, as the university looks to leverage Buford's extensive playing and international experience to further enrich its basketball culture.