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LeBron James applauded Ohio State’s recent hiring of head coach Jake Diebler, who will take over in his first full season in 2024-25. That approval comes despite the NBA superstar reportedly pushing for another candidate to land the job.
Shortly after Chris Holtmann was fired midseason, speculation surfaced linking Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May to the opening.
LeBron James was rumored to have a vested interest in May’s hiring.
A quick nugget on the OSU basketball coaching search (though if the Buckeyes keep playing the way they have lately maybe the search won’t be needed):
One name that has come up is FAU coach Dusty May, and he is the guy LeBron James is pushing for. Word is that if OSU does end up…
— CFB Focus 🏈 (@cffmwachsman) March 4, 2024
Whispers circulated about both a large donation, as well as a commitment from his son, Bryce, should May get the gig.
And it seemed the FAU leader was considered up until the very end, for good reason given his success in Boca Raton.
After leading the Owls to an improbable Final Four appearance last spring, May has the program back in the Big Dance this March in hopes of making another run.
But the Buckeyes opted to go in another direction when all was said and done.
Ohio State hired Jake Diebler after an impressive interim stint.
After taking over for Holtmann in February, Diebler immediately led Ohio State to a win over No. 1 Purdue. The Buckeyes went 6-2 with their new coach leading the charge, picking up wins over Michigan and Michigan State, too.
The effective job interview was enough to give Diebler the nod.
Despite those previous rumors, LeBron James gave the new coach his endorsement when the news went public.
How’s that for an endorsement? 👀@KingJames | @JakeDiebler pic.twitter.com/0HhyKOyU4A
— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) March 18, 2024
James reposted the hiring to his Instagram story alongside a caption that read, “Congrats, Diebs!”
That certainly seems like a good sign in terms of Bryce James’s recruitment, as LeBron’s approval of Ohio State’s new leader would figure to play a role in a commitment.
Jake Diebler has officially been handed the keys, and he appears to have one major player in his corner.