Draft Night Disappointment: No Buckeyes Hear Their Name Called Under Jake Diebler’s Leadership

Cleveland, OH – For the first time in recent memory, the Ohio State Buckeyes walked away from the NBA Draft with nothing to show for their efforts. As the final pick of the 2025 NBA Draft was announced Thursday night at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, not a single Ohio State player had been selected—a sobering outcome for a program trying to reassert itself on the national stage under head coach Jake Diebler.

This result marks a frustrating step back for a school once synonymous with NBA-caliber talent. And while Diebler has brought energy, optimism, and recruiting momentum since taking over the reins last year, draft night offered no celebratory headlines for Buckeye Nation—just silence.

The 2025 NBA Draft came and went without a Buckeye hearing his name called. Not even a late second-round flier. For a program that once produced stars like D’Angelo Russell, Mike Conley Jr., Evan Turner, and Jared Sullinger, this dry spell feels like an echo of deeper issues that still linger despite a coaching change.

It’s not that the Buckeyes were devoid of talent this past season. Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle Jr., and Felix Okpara all had flashes of pro-level ability. But none were considered locks to be drafted, and ultimately all three were passed over by NBA front offices. Some may still land Summer League opportunities or two-way contracts in the coming weeks, but that’s a far cry from the guaranteed prestige of hearing one’s name called on draft night.

Jake Diebler’s appointment as head coach in 2024 came with the promise of revitalizing Ohio State’s program. Known for his player development focus and recruiting acumen, Diebler was expected to modernize the Buckeyes’ approach and return them to Big Ten prominence.

In his first season at the helm, the Buckeyes showed signs of life. They finished with a winning record, made a respectable run in the Big Ten tournament, and flirted with an NCAA Tournament berth. But the NBA Draft drought underscores the lingering challenges Diebler faces in elevating Ohio State to elite status.

Draft success is often viewed as a measuring stick for a program’s national profile. The fact that none of Diebler’s players cracked the top 58 picks puts pressure on the coaching staff to develop current and future talent with greater urgency.

The absence of a draftee doesn’t necessarily signal doom, but it does have ripple effects. For one, recruiting elite prospects becomes tougher without recent proof of players making the leap to the league. Recruits often ask one question above all: “Can you get me to the NBA?” Tonight, Ohio State couldn’t answer that with confidence.

The reality is stark—this marks the second time in three years the Buckeyes have failed to produce a draft pick. It’s a trend that could impact their perception among top-tier high school and transfer portal prospects alike.

Still, Diebler and his staff have reasons for cautious optimism. The 2025 recruiting class includes some high-upside additions, and the returning core is filled with juniors and seniors eager to prove their worth. Bruce Thornton, in particular, could benefit from another year in Columbus to polish his offensive decision-making and shooting consistency. If he returns and takes a leap, he could be the one to end the Buckeyes’ draft night slump in 2026.

Despite the shutout, there’s still opportunity. Several Buckeyes are expected to receive invitations to play in the NBA Summer League, where undrafted players often fight for roster spots and contracts. Roddy Gayle Jr. is a prime candidate—his athleticism, perimeter defense, and potential as a 3-and-D wing may intrigue NBA scouts in a less formal setting.

Bruce Thornton and Felix Okpara, meanwhile, may opt to return to school and improve their draft stock next season. Both have displayed flashes that, with refinement, could earn them a more serious look from NBA decision-makers in the future.

The sting of being shut out from the NBA Draft will linger for a while in Columbus. Buckeye fans, known for their passion and loyalty, expected at least one name to be called. Instead, they were left watching other programs celebrate while Ohio State faded into the background.

Jake Diebler now finds himself at a crossroads. The vision he’s selling—one of development, culture, and long-term growth—faces its first public test. Recruiting battles will intensify. Expectations will rise. And every move on the court next season will be scrutinized with the draft disappointment in the rearview mirror.