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With Monday’s surprise announcement that Thad Matta would no longer be Ohio State’s basketball coach, many former Buckeyes took to social media to share their thoughts about the winningest coach in program history.
Matta took over as Ohio State’s coach in 2004, and has won five Big Ten regular season titles, four Big Ten tournament championships, and played in two NCAA Championship games. He was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year three times, most recently in 2010.
His roster of former players have gone on to become stars in the NBA and in professional leagues around the world, and his coaching tree is one of the most prolific in college basketball.
Man, words can't describe what Coach meant to me and the program! Wouldn't have wanted to play for anyone else! pic.twitter.com/JmkQtJ8CcW
— Aaron Craft (@ACraft4) June 5, 2017
Wow..didn't see this coming at all. Nothing but love and respect for Coach Matta!!
— JaQuan Lyle (@JMamba13) June 5, 2017
We been through it all coach. What a pleasure to play for you!!! You will be missed. #OH #ForeverABuckeye pic.twitter.com/Nnc9ewlaoW
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) June 5, 2017
#InThadiTrust!! Til the day I die. Then, now, forever... 3 days after that and even on the 4th!! #GoBucks.
— James JJ Sullinger (@JJSullinger) June 5, 2017
The pleasure was all mine, big fella. Thank you pic.twitter.com/wWXDIBaO18
— Sam Thompson (@SlamIAm12) June 5, 2017
Thad Matta raised the bar for Buckeye basketball-one of the best that has ever done it!! Now, Barabara has a honey dew list for you!!!
— Jim Jackson (@jimjackson419) June 5, 2017
He taught me so much about basketball, but most importantly about being a man. He always does things the right way. Love him and his family
— Jon Diebler (@J_Diebler) June 5, 2017
Couldn't have said it any better! @OhioStateHoops @ACraft4 https://t.co/gKiqcUq0Ot
— Matt Terwilliger (@das_twig) June 5, 2017
Although I didn't play for Thad, he embraced me to the fullest. Class act, did a great job as our coach. Love him and his family.
— Scoonie Penn (@Scooniep12) June 5, 2017
Sad to see him go but grateful for everything he has done for me/program on and off the court! As genuine as they come! Love for him always! pic.twitter.com/FLo4zp5Nhc
— Dave Lighty (@OSULighty23) June 5, 2017
Family aside, no one has done more for my life than Coach Matta. Love that man w all my heart and will forever be indebted to him. Go Bucks.
— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) June 5, 2017
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Coach. pic.twitter.com/7OCPyDONrE
— Joey Lane (@JoeySmoke11) June 5, 2017
Never thought I'd see the day.... Coach you will be missed. It was a honor playing for the great Thad Matta! #Buckeyes #OH pic.twitter.com/wMI967lS8c
— Evan Ravenel (@e_rav24) June 5, 2017
Wow.
— Dallas Lauderdale (@DallasL3) June 5, 2017
Shocked
— Alex Rogers (@AlexRogers21) June 5, 2017
Thank you, Coach. pic.twitter.com/doEC64IO8H
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) June 5, 2017
We will continue to update this list as more reactions come in.