Top 10 Ohio State Basketball Players of All Time

Few college programs boast the rich legacy of the Ohio State Buckeyes. From national champions and All-Americans to NBA legends, the scarlet and gray have produced some of the most iconic players in basketball history.

This list celebrates the very best — ten Buckeyes who defined eras, lifted banners, and left unforgettable marks on both the program and the sport. From Jerry Lucas’ dominance to D’Angelo Russell’s modern brilliance, here are the Top 10 Ohio State Basketball Players of All Time.

10) Ron Stokes (1981–1985)

Position: Point Guard

College Highlights:

• Team captain and floor general in his senior season

• Program’s all-time assist leader at graduation

• Known for leadership, defense, and toughness

Legacy: Ron Stokes may not have been the flashiest Buckeye, but his leadership defined consistency. A true extension of the coach on the floor, he was the glue that held Ohio State together in the early 1980s. After graduation, Stokes became a beloved voice of the program as a longtime radio analyst, proving his passion for Buckeye basketball never faded.

Ron Stokes (’85)

9) Jared Sullinger (2010–2012)

Position: Power Forward

College Highlights:

• 2× First-Team All-American (2011, 2012)

• Led Buckeyes to the 2012 Final Four

• Averaged 17.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game

Legacy: A hometown hero from Columbus, Jared Sullinger brought elite post play back to Ohio State. He combined power, finesse, and high IQ, anchoring Thad Matta’s Final Four squad. Sullinger’s rebounding dominance and soft shooting touch made him one of the most complete big men of the modern Buckeye era.

Jared Sullinger – Ohio State – College Throwback Mix

8) Clark Kellogg (1979–1982)

Position: Forward

College Highlights:

• Averaged 17.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG over his career

• 1982 First-Team All-Big Ten

• Double-double machine against top competition

Legacy: Clark Kellogg was a force of nature in scarlet and gray. Strong, versatile, and efficient, he dominated Big Ten opponents and left an impression that still resonates decades later. Though knee injuries shortened his NBA career, his impact on and off the court remains immense. Today, he’s one of basketball’s most respected ambassadors.

Clark Kellogg : A Star In The Making Before He Became An Analyst

7) John Havlicek (1959–1962)

Position: Forward

College Highlights:

• Starter on the 1960 National Championship team

• All-Big Ten and team captain

Legacy: Before becoming an NBA legend, John Havlicek was a vital piece of Ohio State’s greatest team — the 1960 champions. His relentless hustle and two-way excellence made him a fan favorite and a coach’s dream. Though his pro career with the Celtics overshadowed his college years, his contribution to the Buckeyes’ golden era can’t be overstated.

Ohio State honors 1960 national champion men’s basketball team

6) D’Angelo Russell (2014–2015)

Position: Point Guard

College Highlights:

• 2015 First-Team All-American

• Big Ten Freshman of the Year

• Averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists

Legacy: In one electrifying season, D’Angelo Russell brought flair, creativity, and excitement back to Columbus. His court vision and shot-making made him must-see TV and earned him the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Even with just one season, Russell’s brilliance ranks among the program’s most unforgettable.

D’Angelo Russell Ohio State Freshman Regular Season Highlights Montage 2014-15 HD

5) Michael Redd (1997–2000)

Position: Shooting Guard

College Highlights:

• Averaged 21.9 PPG over three seasons

• Led Ohio State to the 1999 Final Four

• Second all-time leading scorer upon graduation

Legacy: Few players have shot the ball as purely as Michael Redd. His silky jumper and effortless scoring carried Ohio State back to national prominence. Redd’s legacy continued at the next level, where he became an NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, but his college days laid the foundation for his storied career.

Michael Redd 1999 NCAA Tournament Highlights

4) Dennis Hopson (1983–1987)

Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward

College Highlights:

• 1987 Big Ten Player of the Year

• Consensus First-Team All-American (1987)

• Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer (2,096 points)

Legacy: When you talk scoring, Dennis Hopson stands alone in Buckeye history. His combination of athleticism, touch, and scoring instincts made him unstoppable. Hopson dominated the Big Ten, rewriting the record books before being selected No. 3 overall in the 1987 NBA Draft.

Dennis Hopson Highlights

3) Jim Jackson (1989–1992)

Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward

College Highlights:

• 2× Big Ten Player of the Year

• 1992 Consensus First-Team All-American

• Averaged 19.2 PPG over three seasons

Legacy: Jim Jackson was the total package — scorer, defender, leader, and winner. His poise and versatility lifted Ohio State back to national contention in the early 1990s. Drafted No. 4 overall, Jackson remains one of the most complete players ever to wear a Buckeye uniform.

Buckeye Basketball: #4 Ohio State 93, #3 Indiana 85 (January 21, 1991)

2) Evan Turner (2007–2010)

Position: Guard / Forward

College Highlights:

• 2010 National Player of the Year (Wooden, Naismith, AP)

• 2× All-Big Ten

• Averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in 2010

Legacy: Evan Turner’s 2010 season ranks among the best in Ohio State and Big Ten history. A triple-double threat every night, he carried the Buckeyes with elite scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. His buzzer-beater against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament remains one of the most iconic shots in program history.

2009-10 Evan Turner Ultimate Highlight

1) Jerry Lucas (1959–1962)

Position: Power Forward

College Highlights:

• 2× National Player of the Year (1961, 1962)

• 3× First-Team All-American

• 1960 NCAA Champion

• Averaged 24.3 points and 17.2 rebounds per game

Legacy: Jerry Lucas wasn’t just Ohio State’s best — he was one of the greatest college players ever. A rebounding force and offensive machine, Lucas led the Buckeyes to their only national championship and back-to-back title games. His dominance on the boards and scoring efficiency made him a legend of both college and NBA basketball.

Big Ten Icons: Jerry Lucas 4

Honorable Mentions

• Scoonie Penn – Fiery floor general who led OSU to the 1999 Final Four

• Herb Williams – All-time program leader in blocked shots

• Greg Oden – Defensive powerhouse and 2007 national runner-up

• Aaron Craft – Tenacious defender and emotional leader

• Kelvin Ransey – Smooth-scoring guard who starred in the late ’70s

Conclusion

From the dominance of Jerry Lucas to the smooth brilliance of Evan Turner and Michael Redd, Ohio State basketball has produced legends across generations. Each of these players brought something unique — leadership, toughness, finesse, or raw scoring power.

They carried the Buckeyes to Big Ten titles, Final Fours, and unforgettable moments that live forever in Columbus. Ohio State’s basketball legacy isn’t just about winning — it’s about excellence, character, and pride in the scarlet and gray.