The Making of an Era – Ohio State Buckeyes
2/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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By Emily Meyer, Ohio State athletics communications
In his first three seasons as head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball program, Thad Matta guided the Buckeyes to two Big Ten championships and their first national title game appearance since 1962.
Matta is one of just two coaches across the country to post 20-plus wins in each of his first seven seasons as a collegiate head coach. This season, with his third recruiting class on the roster, Matta aims to continue that success.
And the future of the Ohio State program holds promise that it will continue to grow under Matta. Next season, the 2008-09 campaign will mark the first Buckeye team stocked with only his recruits.
“It’s important for us to get into a groove of looking at the guys we are recruiting and obtaining the continuity we are looking for to help us build our program,” Matta said. “At times what makes it difficult is the fact that some of them are already gone.”
Matta’s recruits who are already finished with their college careers include Greg Oden, the 2007 NBA No. 1 draft pick, Mike Conley Jr., the fourth selection, and Daequan Cook, the 21st pick.
With the new look of college basketball, many of the nation’s top recruits are also the most likely to move quickly to the NBA, changing the process of recruiting.
“Now you have to keep the big picture in mind and think outside the box and long term when you’re recruiting,” Matta said. “It’s a little bit challenging because next year our team will have no seniors on it and the year after that we’ll only have two seniors. That’s where having continuity in your recruiting becomes important.”
For Matta, who notched more wins than any previous Ohio State coach in three seasons with an 81-22 record, having a deep coaching staff at his side has helped make efficient transitions between each team.
“Stability on your staff is vitally important,” Matta said. “I’ve been with John (Groce) from day one for eight years now and Alan Major for seven. They know what I’m thinking and I know what they’re thinking. We have a great understanding of what we are trying to accomplish with this program. Not having to teach that each year with a new staff makes run better.”
Still, it is not easy work for the Buckeye coach. Gearing up each season to bring in a group of student-athletes that will fit into the Ohio State game plan, Matta puts a lot of miles in the air and on the road as he meets with prospects.
“I enjoy getting to know the kids and their families,” Matta said. “It gives me an opportunity to tell them about Ohio State and the passion our fans have for the Buckeyes. Plus, as you try to put the pieces of your puzzle together it’s always a fun challenge.”
In Matta’s opinion, the challenge of recruiting is made easier because of the university itself.
“Ohio State is what we sell to our kids,” Matta said. “Starting with Andy Geiger and now with Gene Smith, they, as athletics directors, allow you to wake up every day and do your job the best that you can.
“Until you live in the Ohio State world, you really don’t know how powerful this university is. From academics to its alumni base to athletics, you really can’t fully appreciate it until you’ve been a part of it and sit back and realize you have the greatest job in the world.”
With Matta’s understanding of the game and coaching expertise, the Ohio State basketball program has all the tools to continue its maturation as he looks to extend his trend of winning all the way to a national title.
