U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

The Next Step

Newest crop of basketball Buckeyes to begin pro careers

By VR Bryant

It used to be that an Ohio State basketball player making the jump to the NBA was a rare occurrence. With four Buckeyes drafted in the past two years, that era is officially over.

With the 23rd pick of the first round in last Thursday’s draft, the Utah Jazz selected our own Kosta Koufos, who had been projected to go as high as 14th.

OSU head coach That Matta admitted that he was “a little surprised” that Koufos stayed on the board so long, but was pleased with the outcome nonetheless.

“I think he’s going into a tremendous situation and a great organization in Utah,” said Matta. “Veteran, classy, professional players — that environment will be very good for him getting his feet wet.”

Koufos — the second-youngest player drafted — joins a Utah team that is young, talented, and (as usual) very well-coached. While his rookie season is not likely to be the most prolific, Matta agreed that the soft landing might be just what the doctor ordered.

“Offensively, it appears to me the Jazz do a great job of looking at players and saying, ‘This is what works for us,’” Matta added. “I think that’s what Kosta’s going to need early on.

“He doesn’t want to be in a situation where he has to just go out and play. They’ll make it real specific for him, and therefore I think he’ll be more successful.”

Ahead of Koufos in the Jazz frontcourt are starters Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur, and key reserve Paul Millsap — at least for now. Boozer and Okur both become free agents after the upcoming season, with the former expected to be one of the more coveted pieces on the market.

Time will tell how much of the floor the young center will see, though it is roundly agreed that he can learn much from Okur, whose rangy, Euro-style game is very much a reflection of Koufos’ potential.

Thus begins the professional career for Koufos. Elsewhere, departing seniors Othello Hunter and Jamar Butler now begin their respective journeys to pro ball, albeit through different means.

A few gurus thought that Hunter had a chance to get picked up in the second round, but neither he nor Butler heard his name called Thursday night. Nevertheless, both players have options and are expected to catch on, whether it’s here at home or abroad.

“I think both guys could be compensated very well in the overseas market, but by the same token, they could get in a summer league and find the right team with a need at the right position,” said Matta of his former stars. “Hopefully the guys that work for them can get them in a situation where they’re able to grow and spread their wings.”

Regardless of what route each player takes, Butler and Hunter are certain to continue playing basketball. And next year, another Buckeye will be near the top of everyone’s mock draft in incoming 7-footer B.J. Mullens. Step-by-step, as they say.

Originally Published: July 2, 2008

↑ Back to the top