Classic Photos of Ohio State Basketball

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 28, 2012

Classic Photos of Ohio State Basketball

Jerry Lucas

A native of Middletown, Ohio, Jerry Lucas chose to attend Ohio State on an academic scholarship. The 6-foot-8 power forward had twice been named Mr. Basketball USA, an award handed to the nation's best high school basketball player. In 1959-60, his sophomore year at OSU, Lucas led the team to the national championship. Among the reserves on that squad was future Hall of Fame coach Bobby Knight.

John Havlicek

One of the Buckeyes other stars was John Havlicek. The guard averaged 15 points in his four college seasons and was a sharp passer and tenacious defender. He would later win seven championships as a Boston Celtic.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes returned to the national championship game in 1961 and 1962, losing to Cincinnati both times.

Steve Howell

Steve Howell of Ohio State dribbles the ball past North Carolina's Bill Bunting in the first half of a 1968 national semifinal. The Tar Heels defeated the Buckeyes 80-66 before falling to UCLA in the final.

Carter Scott

Carter Scott converts a layup during the the first half of the 1979 NIT runnerup game against Alabama. The Crimson Tide would go on to win 96-86.

Dennis Hopson

Swingman Dennis Hopson won the 1987 Big Ten Player of the Year Award and left Ohio State as the team's all-time leader in points, a mark that still stands.

Jim Jackson

Jackson, a 6-6 shooting guard, played three years at Ohio State and was named first team All-America in 1991 and 1992. He had less stability as a pro, playing for a record-12 teams over his 14-year career.

Jim Jackson, Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning

Jackson poses with LSU's Shaquille O'Neal and Georgetown center Alonzo Mourning. Jackson would be chosen fourth (behind O'Neal, Mourning and Christian Laettner) by the Mavericks in the NBA draft.

Lawrence Funderburke

After transferring out of Indiana and battling for his eligibility with former coach Bobby Knight, Lawrence Funderburke ended up at Ohio State, where he played for the Buckeyes from 1991 to '94. He was named third team All-Big Ten three times and averaged 15 points per game.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Michael Redd (left), George Reese, head coach Jim O'Brien, Ken Johnson, Brian Brown (right) and Scoonie Penn pose during the team's Media Day in October 1999. The team finished with a 23-7 record, including a second-round tournament loss to Miami.

Boban Savovic

Boban Savovic celebrates winning the championship game of the 2002 Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State defeated Iowa 81-64 and Savovic was named tournament MVP.

Ivan Harris

Ohio State freshman forward Ivan Harris jokes around as he hangs from the rim during media day in October 2003. Harris was known as "The Microwave" for his ability to heat up immediately.

Jim O'Brien

Buckeyes coach Jim O'Brien reacts to an official's call during a 2003 game. against Sanford. He would eventually be fired after allegedly breaking NCAA violations that involved him providing financial assistance to a couple of players trying to attend the university.

Greg Oden

Greg Oden arrived at Ohio State with high expectations after winning Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. In this SI photo shoot, the center stands atop a miniature court.

Greg Oden, Daequan Cook and Mike Conley Jr.

Greg Oden, Daequan Cook and Mike Conley Jr. during the final seconds of a victory over Valparaiso. Oden and Conley were high school teammates at Lawrence North in Indianapolis.

Greg Oden

Oden flushes home a dunk during the 2007 national championship game. Despite a strong game (25 points, 12 rebounds), Oden wasn't able to lead his Buckeyes to victory over the Gators.