For a former Ohio State athlete to wear the scarlet and gray colors after they graduate is not unusual. For former Buckeye basketball player D'Angelo Russell, though, it comes as a slight surprise.
D'Angelo Russell (@Dloading) rockin' that Ohio State gear again pic.twitter.com/UeAYowbU4m
— Rob Lopez (@R0BaTO) September 25, 2017
Russell, who played just one season at Ohio State (2014-15), said "I don't think I'll ever go back" after Thad Matta was fired in early June.
Russell was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets on June 20, less than two weeks after Chris Holtmann was hired to replace Matta.
Holtmann has made it a point of emphasis to reach out to former players, including those who played for Matta. Ohio State's alumni team Scarlet and Gray was welcomed back to the Schottenstein Center's practice facilities to train for The Basketball Tournament over the summer. Holtmann responded to Russell's comments in early August, saying the door will continue to stay open for Russell to return if he so chooses.
