A Familiar Face Returns to Columbus
Ohio State basketball announced that Mike Wells, a longtime NBA assistant and former Buckeye player, will join head coach Jake Diebler's staff for the upcoming season. Wells replaces departing assistant Joel Justuce, who left the program after several years of service.
Wells, a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio, began his coaching journey in the early 1990s before climbing the NBA ladder. His career includes stints as an assistant video coordinator with the Houston Rockets, followed by roles with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards. He later served as an assistant at George Mason University and the University of South Florida before joining the Utah Jazz organization.
After a successful two‑year tenure with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia, where he guided the team to the 2026 NBL Championship Series, Wells decided to return to the United States to be closer to his family. His overseas experience added a fresh perspective to his coaching philosophy, which he now brings to the Big Ten program.
Wells will work alongside returning assistants Dave Dickerson, Jamall Walker, Luke Simons and Brian Walsh. The Buckeyes are still searching for a new strength and conditioning coach to complete the support staff.