Video: Ohio State’s Jake Diebler as Columbus Crew’s “Match Ignitor”
Ohio State coach Jake Diebler is the Columbus Crew’s “Match Ignitor” for a Leagues Cup match against NYCFC on October 17, 2024.
Ohio State University basketball player D’Angelo Russell released a video describing his return to campus this summer.
While Russell participated in the program’s annual “Vet Week,” during which former players visit, practice with and play against members of the current team, the 2015 first-team All-American and Big Ten Freshman of the Year was accompanied by his personal film crew and shot a video that was posted on Russell’s YouTube account.
In the nearly 30-minute final production, Russell spends time with the football and men’s basketball programs, sitting at center court at Value City Arena to talk with coach Jake Diebler, who was the team’s video coordinator during Russell’s only season with the program, and at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center with coach Ryan Day.
Russell interacts with former and current Buckeyes all the time. During a practice game between the current and former players, Russell is shown breaking up the game and giving instructions to the players. He also shows off his skills in several clips, including a nifty double play with Jae’Sean Tate that results in a basket.
In the men’s basketball locker room, Russell sits with current guards Meechie Johnson Jr. and Bruce Thornton, asks them about NIL rights, then asks them to lead the team.
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“As a signalman, you have to be vocal,” he tells them. “There shouldn’t be a day in training where your presence isn’t felt.”
The video also shows a possible next step for Russell when his playing career ends. Speaking to Diebler, Russell says he would be interested in returning to school as a golfer for the Buckeyes and has been told he is eligible to do so.
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