A Closer Look at Chris Jent

A Closer Look at Chris Jent

Sometimes as a sports fan, you have to look for the diamond in the rough. With the football season nearly on it’s way and it’s off-season still flaring it’s ugly teeth at us, it’s good to have something bright and exciting happening in the world of Buckeye sports.

When Thad Matta added assistant coach Chris Jent to his staff, it might of been the best thing to happen to the program in quite some time.

Jent, who played for the Buckeyes from 88-92 has NBA experience as a player and a coach. Hired as the Director of Player Development by the Cavaliers in 2006, his work has seen him transform some of the best players in the game, including LeBron James, whose jump shot was improved dramatically thanks to Jent.

It’s that experience that has fans drooling, incoming recruits pumping their fists, and Thad Matta celebrating his best pull from the recruiting ranks in quite some time.

Jent, who originally returned to Columbus in 2006 to pursue his degree at Ohio State, planned on helping Thad Matta and his coaching staff while on campus.

But when current Lakers and former Cavs head coach Mike Brown called asking to borrow him for a few weeks, the budding of an NBA coaching future began.

But when the future is bright, it doesn’t mean it’s always the path to follow. For Jent, the realization of being at home hit the heart.

A Closer Look at Chris JentA Closer Look at Chris Jent

Everyone I would talk to said, ‘Go with your gut.’ I’d go to work every day and I’d be like, ‘Man, this is fantastic, I’m an NBA coach.’ I’d be on my drive home and my stomach and my gut kept pulling me back to Columbus and I couldn’t deny that.

It also can’t be denied that Jent is one of the best coaches at the top level of basketball at making players better. Something that will translate well to the game of college basketball where coaches are handed raw talent and are in charge of turning them into standout players.

It also don’t hurt recruiting. Adding a former NBA coach, with contacts, and a relationship with LeBron James? Despite lacking any recruiting experience, It’s a promising outlook of even more national talent making it’s way to Columbus.

It’s one of the major factors that put Jent on the top of Thad Matta’s list when Brandon Miller stepped down from his post to spend time with family.

It’s also the reason he got in his car, drove to Cleveland, and convinced the former Buckeye like any other five star recruit that there was only one placed he belonged.

On the Buckeye bench.

A Closer Look at Chris JentA Closer Look at Chris Jent

It’s no secret Chris was one of the best in the NBA of making players better. To have that now on our staff and like I said with type of kids we’re trying to recruit and where we’re trying to get them and to make them as players and to make them as teammates, I don’t know if I could’ve gotten anything better in the country than what he’s going to bring to the table in that regard.

And at this level, there is nothing more important than making an impression on these young athletes. Lebron James, who never brought his talents to the college level, would tell any athlete on their way to Columbus to put your trust in Chris Jent. Cause he can evolve your game to a new level.

A Closer Look at Chris JentA Closer Look at Chris Jent

Seeing the way he could shoot the basketball, I thought ‘maybe you could help my shot look like yours.’ From there, I gravitated to his work ethic, his honesty and genuine personality.

Just another reason to be excited for the upcoming college basketball season. Just ask returning sophomore center Jared Sullinger.

A Closer Look at Chris JentA Closer Look at Chris Jent 

It’s been great for us. I talked to LeBron (James about Jent). He told me how Chris Jent is a great guy. His offense is going to play in our favor.

Chris Jent is a go-getter. I’m blessed to have Coach Matta and Coach Jent with their offensive and defensive patterns. It’s going to be great.

 

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