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