Ohio State has produced some incredibly talented basketball players over the years. Although they may be more well-known for their football program, the Buckeyes have made 10 Final Four appearances and played in 5 national championship games in basketball, winning one title in 1960.
#5 Michael Redd
Michael Redd played at Ohio State from 1997-2000. He helped lead the Buckeyes to the Final Four in 1999. In the NBA, Redd spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was a gifted scorer capable of shooting from anywhere on the court. Some of his NBA accomplishments include:
- 15.0 points per game career NBA average
- Holds Bucks franchise record for 3-point % (44%)
- NBA All-Star in 2004
- Gold medalist with Team USA in the 2008 Olympics
Injuries took their toll on Redd in the second half of his career, but in his prime, few could light up the scoreboard as well as he could. His shooting prowess and athleticism made him a difficult matchup for opponents.
#4 Jerry Lucas
Jerry Lucas is one of the most decorated basketball players ever at Ohio State. He was a 2-time consensus NCAA Player of the Year and led the Buckeyes to the national championship in 1960. His success translated quickly in the NBA:
- 17.0 points per game, 15.6 rebounds per game career averages
- NBA Rookie of the Year in 1964
- 7-time NBA All-Star
- 1971 NBA champion with the Knicks
Lucas was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players in 1996. He could score, rebound, pass, and defend at a high level throughout his career. Lucas remains the Buckeyes’ all-time leading rebounder in the NBA.
#3 John Havlicek
John “Hondo” Havlicek starred at Ohio State in college, but he became a Boston Celtics legend in the NBA. Some highlights include:
- 20.8 points per game over 16 NBA seasons
- 8 NBA championships – most titles for an Ohio State player
- NBA Finals MVP in 1974
- 13-time NBA All-Star
Havlicek revolutionized the “sixth man” role during his early years with the Celtics before becoming a primary starter. He could score, pass, defend, and always made winning plays. Hondo delivered countless clutch moments during his illustrious career while cementing himself as one of the greatest Ohio State products in NBA history.
#2 Neil Johnston
Neil Johnston preceded the NBA but was utterly dominant in his era. He played for the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1950s. Some jaw-dropping numbers from his career:
- 19.4 points per game, 11.3 rebounds per game averages
- 3 straight scoring titles from 1952-1955
- 6-time NBA All-Star selection
- 1956 NBA champion and Finals MVP
Johnston was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990. He was an incredibly efficient big man who shot over 40% for his career in an era where fg% were generally much lower. Johnston battled injuries which unfortunately cut his brilliant career short, but he delivered some all-time great seasons for the Warriors in his prime.
#1 Byron Scott
Byron Scott earns the top spot on this list. Although his NBA numbers don’t stand out compared to some other Buckeyes, Scott was a key member of 3 NBA championship teams with the Lakers. He was also the face of some strong New Jersey Nets squads in the early 90s. Highlights include:
- 14.1 points per game career average
- 1987, 1988, 1990 NBA champion with Lakers
- Coached Nets to back-to-back Finals appearances in 2002 & 2003
- 2-time All-Pac 10 at Ohio State, All-American in 1980
Scott was never the most talented player on his Lakers teams in the Showtime era, but he was consistently productive on both ends and as clutch, as they came in big playoff moments. His heady play and leadership were instrumental during 3 title runs. Scott deserves credit for his longevity as well, averaging double figures in scoring for 12 straight seasons. His success and contributions at both Ohio State and in the NBA make Byron Scott the best Buckeye in NBA history.
Sources:
bleacherreport.com/articles/1253785-ohio-state-basketball-the-top-10-nba-buckeyes-of-all-time
www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/the_25_best_players_in_ohio_state_mens_basketball_history_031724/s1__39701968#slide_3
