A new chapter for the Buckeyes
Jake Diebler, the head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball program, announced that the 2026‑27 roster of assistants and support staff is now complete, marking the final pieces of a strategic rebuild.
Mike Wells, a veteran with more than two decades of NBA experience, will join as an assistant coach. Wells most recently guided the Adelaide 36ers to the NBL finals in both of his seasons, showcasing his ability to elevate programs on an international stage.
Wells’s NBA pedigree includes championship rings with the Houston Rockets in 1995 and the San Antonio Spurs in 2007, underscoring his deep roots in the league and his capacity to bring a winning mindset to Columbus.
Dave Richardson is set to return to Columbus as the program’s strength and conditioning coach, a role he previously held for fifteen years before a stint at Arkansas. His earlier work helped the Buckeyes achieve eleven postseason appearances, two Final Fours and a national runner‑up finish in 2007.
William Buford, the fourth‑leading scorer in Ohio State history, will transition from a twelve‑year professional career to the coaching staff, bringing a wealth of experience and a familiarity with the program’s culture.
Jamall Walker, who begins his twenty‑fifth season in college basketball, has been elevated to associate head coach. Walker’s early tenure already includes 38 victories and a return to the NCAA Tournament, and he will continue to drive the Buckeyes toward sustained success.