A hometown homecoming
Jae’Sean Tate, a Columbus native who once dazzled as an Ohio State Buckeye, has returned to the city to lead a sold‑out youth basketball camp, a move that feels like a full‑circle moment for the NBA veteran.
After a six‑year NBA journey that began with the Houston Rockets in 2020, Tate arrives back in Ohio with a résumé that includes 7.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over 342 career appearances, 154 of them as starters.
The four‑hour camp, held on August 8, 2024, attracted roughly 200 children who spent the day learning footwork, dribbling and defensive fundamentals from the player himself.
Tate partnered with E3 Camps to organize the event, a collaboration that allowed him to give back to a community that once nurtured his own aspirations.
Reflecting on his own youth, Tate recalled attending similar camps and the impact of former players who returned to mentor the next generation.
During the sessions he emphasized creating separation with the body — a skill he honed in the NBA — while also urging participants to enjoy the learning process.
Freshman Anthony Thompson, who attended the camp, said he walked away with new techniques for beating defenders and a deeper appreciation for the game.
Tate also took the opportunity to preview the upcoming 2026‑27 Ohio State men’s basketball roster, describing the group as coachable and eager to improve under his mentorship.
He praised Rockets teammate Bruce Thornton, a former Buckeye and the program’s all‑time leading scorer, noting the excitement of seeing a fellow alumnus rise to the NBA.
Looking ahead, Tate plans to continue hosting basketball camps in Columbus, hoping to expand his outreach as his career progresses.