American · Buffalo, New York, USA · Born 22 January 1988Ohio State center who led the Buckeyes to the 2007 national championship game in his only college season, considered one of the most dominant single-season big men in modern college basketball.
Gregory Wayne Oden Jr. was born on 22 January 1988 in Buffalo, New York, and moved to Terre Haute, Indiana at age nine before starring at Lawrence North High School, where he was named the 2006 National High School Player of the Year and Indiana Mr. Basketball. He committed to Ohio State alongside high school teammate Mike Conley Jr., though a wrist surgery in June 2006 delayed the start of his freshman season. Oden made his college debut in December 2006 and quickly established himself as a dominant force, described by NBA executive Steve Kerr as a 'once-in-a-decade player.' He averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, earning NABC Defensive Player of the Year, the Pete Newell Big Man Award, and consensus second-team All-American honors, while leading Ohio State to the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles and being named tournament Most Outstanding Player. In the NCAA Tournament, Oden blocked a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds against Tennessee to preserve a Sweet Sixteen win, then led Ohio State past Memphis and Georgetown to reach the 2007 national championship game. Despite foul trouble throughout the tournament, he scored 25 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked four shots in the title game, but Ohio State fell to Florida 84-75. Oden declared for the NBA draft after his single season and was selected first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers - one pick ahead of Kevin Durant - though microfracture knee surgery and recurring injuries limited his NBA career to 105 games. He later returned to Ohio State as a student manager and graduate assistant coach while completing his degree.
Leading Ohio State to the 2007 national championship game in his only college season, regarded as one of the most dominant single-season centers in modern college basketball
How They Played
Dominant defensive center known for elite shot-blocking timing, interior scoring, and rebounding, anchoring one of the sport's most feared frontcourts in a single, unforgettable season
Lasting Impact
Remembered as a generational talent whose brief, brilliant college season showcased rare shot-blocking and interior dominance, before injuries prevented his professional career from matching his amateur promise
Career Honours
- 2007 NCAA National Championship Runner-Up
- 2007 NABC Defensive Player of the Year
- 2007 Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player
- Consensus Second-Team All-American (2007)
American Athletes