Matta's Buckeyes Feeling Welcome With Chris Holtmann, New Ohio State Coaching Staff

OSU Basketball Email this Article Share on Reddit Share on Twitter Share on FacebookCOLUMBUS – June 5 was a tough day for Ohio State basketball alumni like William Buford, Aaron Craft and Dallas Lauderdale.

That was the day when it was announced Thad Matta would no longer be the Buckeyes’ coach – effective immediately – after 13 seasons at the helm.

While some saw the writing on the wall for Matta after last season, when the Buckeyes went 17-15 and failed to make even the NIT, it came as a surprise to his former players.

"Once it happened, everybody was just shocked," Buford said. "We didn’t think that was going to happen."

To the seven former Buckeyes who were in Columbus on Thursday preparing…