Matta’s former OSU players happy to see him coaching again
Four words sent a jolt through multiple generations of Ohio State men’s basketball players. They were in white letters against a blue backdrop accompanied by a photo of the all-time winningest coach in Buckeyes history.
“WELCOME HOME THAD MATTA” read the graphic posted Sunday at 11:20 a.m. to the Butler men’s basketball team’s official Twitter account. The announcement marked the official return of a man who won 337 games, reached a national title game and two Final Fours and won five Big Ten championships during a 13-year run at Ohio State. After he was fired in June 2017, Matta spent four years away from the game before dipping his toes back in as a member of Indiana’s administrative staff last season.
Now, Matta is leading the team that has played a pivotal role in his life. A former player for the Bulldogs, Matta worked his way up as an academic coordinator and administrative assistant before becoming an assistant coach and, eventually, the program’s head coach for the 2000-01 season.
Matt Sylvester played for Matta during his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, hit one of the most iconic shots in Ohio State history and helped lead OSU to a 2006 Big Ten championship.
“I’m incredibly happy for Thad,” Sylvester said. “I visited him two years ago at his house in Indy, and he told me the situation would have to be absolutely perfect for him to jump back in. Obviously, Butler was that spot..”
That sentiment was shared among multiple former Buckeyes contacted by The Dispatch. Evan Turner, who capped his three years playing for Matta by being named the 2010 national player of the year, went so far as to say he’s now rooting for the Bulldogs.
“Thad is the man,” Turner said. “I’m glad he’s back doing what he loves at his alma mater. He’s living out a dream, and the kids who play for him will be lucky to go to war for him. I’ll die a Buckeye but I’m for sure a Butler Bulldog fan. The real
is back.”
Jared Sullinger, a Columbus native who earned All-america honors during his two seasons with Matta, sees a bright future for Butler.
“Happy as hell that my coach is back where it all started,” he said. “I think he has a lot left in the tank to get the best out of these young individuals.”
Sullinger’s older brother, James “J.J.” Sullinger, used multiple exclamation points to express his excitement in a text message.
“I think it’s awesome, really!!” said Sullinger. “I know by him taking this job, he’s hungry!! College basketball better watch out!! I know he feels like he has a lot to prove, considering how his tenure ended here. Keep in mind, he recruited five-stars without NIL in place. There’s absolutely no telling what he will be able to do now. I can’t wait to see it!”