Ohio State’s Scoonie Penn leaving for Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach position

On Monday, Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch reported that Scoonie Penn would be leaving the Ohio State men’s basketball coaching staff in order to accept a position on the coaching staff of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.

The Buckeye legend will be an assistant under new head coach Taylor Jenkins. After a decade-plus as a player internationally, Penn returned to Ohio State as the director of player development for his alma mater when Chris Holtmann replaced Thad Matta in the summer of 2017.

In a statement, Jenkins said, “We welcome an experienced group of coaches who have had success at all levels of basketball as both players and coaches. Their experiences at the collegiate, international, G League and NBA levels will benefit everyone in our organization. Above all else, I am thrilled to work with great people who will help build a competitive, unselfish, development-focused, and positive environment for our players.”

Last month, LGHL spoke to Penn on the eve of The Basketball Tournament, in which he was set to return as the head coach of Carmen’s Crew for the third straight year. However, he was replaced by Jared Sullinger at the last minute, with no explanation... we now have that explanation.

We wish the best to Scoonie on his new opportunity in Memphis, and will gladly welcome the Buckeye legend back anytime he visits Columbus!