Ohio State has completed the coaching staff that will support Jake Diebler in his third season, finalizing a roster that blends veteran presence with new perspectives.
Mike Wells, a former NBA assistant who contributed to championship teams in Houston and San Antonio, has been brought in to fill the vacancy left by Joel Justus, adding a championship pedigree to the bench.
Jamall Walker, who has served on Diebler’s staff since 2024, will now step up as associate head coach, a move that reflects his deep roots in college basketball and his ability to mentor players both on and off the court.
Dave Richardson, who previously helped Arkansas reach the Sweet Sixteen in five of the last six seasons, returns to Columbus after eight years in Arkansas, bringing a track record of player development and strength‑conditioning expertise.
William Buford, a former Buckeye standout, joins the program as a program assistant, focusing on workouts and film analysis, and he will graduate from Ohio State this year.
A Strategic Mix of Talent
The new staff reflects a calculated strategy: Wells adds NBA championship experience, Richardson contributes collegiate success, and Buford offers a player‑first perspective rooted in his own Buckeye journey.