A Homecoming for a Veteran Coach
Mike Wells, a seasoned basketball coach whose résumé stretches across the NBA and overseas, has been announced as the newest assistant coach for the Ohio State men’s basketball team.
The hiring, confirmed by head coach Jake Diebler, marks the culmination of a 33‑year odyssey that began at his alma mater, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and later took him to the video‑coordination ranks of the Houston Rockets before a promotion to assistant.
A Global Coaching Journey
Wells spent two seasons as the head coach of the Adelaide 36ers in Australia, an experience he says sharpened his understanding of the college basketball calendar and reinforced his desire to test himself at the collegiate level.
Diebler’s decision to bring Wells on board was facilitated by mutual connections, notably the Drew family, whose ties to the Ohio basketball community opened a pathway for the veteran’s return. Bryce Drew and his father, Homer Drew, played pivotal roles in linking Diebler with Wells, while Kerri Cronk helped coordinate the introductions.
Professional Insight Meets College Basketball
Wells sees his role as a bridge between the pro game and the college ranks, believing that the discipline, work ethic, and tactical depth he honed in the NBA can benefit young Buckeyes.
His appointment underscores Ohio State’s ambition to blend seasoned professional knowledge with the university’s rich basketball tradition, a move that could reshape the team’s approach in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.