Greg Oden, whose name initially echoed in the realms of greatness as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, has taken an inspiring turn in his career journey. Transitioning from a player often overshadowed by injuries into a coaching role, Oden recently wrapped up two seasons with the Butler basketball program, marking a refreshing chapter in his life after an NBA career that didn’t go as many had hoped.
Back in 2022, Oden joined the coaching team at Butler, reuniting with Thad Matta, his former head coach at Ohio State. This return must have felt like coming home for Oden, as Matta had been at the helm during Oden’s standout year with the Buckeyes—one that culminated in a heart-wrenching national championship loss to Florida. After stepping away from the limelight of professional basketball, Oden dedicated his time to completing his degree at Ohio State and found himself back in the game as a student manager for the Buckeyes just before Matta’s departure due to health issues and performance challenges.
Following a hiatus of five years, Matta made a triumphant return as the head coach at Butler, stepping back into a familiar role that he had previously filled with great success. During this transition, Oden assumed the role of director of basketball operations, while Jon Diebler, another one of Matta’s former players, took on recruiting duties. This alignment of past connections in the coaching staff speaks volumes about the importance of mentorship and camaraderie in the world of basketball.
During his time at Butler, Oden played a crucial role in steering the Bulldogs toward success. The team improved its record from a disappointing 14-18 in Oden’s first season to an encouraging 18-15 the next year, finally securing a winning season for the program for the first time since 2019-20. The Bulldogs even earned a spot in the NIT, marking a significant milestone as their first postseason appearance in five years. It’s no wonder that fans and players alike rallied behind the team’s revival. Yet now, with Oden’s recent departure from the coaching staff, his future plans remain under wraps, leaving many wondering what’s next for this once talented player turned coach.
In a twist of timing, IndyStar reported that Connor McCaffery—son of Iowa basketball head coach Fran McCaffery and boyfriend to Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark—could potentially step into Oden’s role. Adding engaging layers to this storyline, Connor’s brother Patrick has just transferred from Iowa to Butler, and with their younger brother Jack slated as a 2025 recruit committed to the Bulldogs, it’s clear that the McCaffery name is establishing roots in Indianapolis.
Oden’s journey to the NBA was underscored by no small amount of pressure. Selected first overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of a young Kevin Durant—a choice that still invites debate today—Oden was viewed as the next great center. However, while Durant blossomed into an MVP and a Finals MVP, Oden faced a relentless battle with injuries that hampered his career. With a mere 105 regular-season games and just nine playoff games under his belt, Oden’s time in the NBA often felt like a missed opportunity. His last appearance came during Game 4 of the 2014 NBA Finals while he played for the Miami Heat—a bittersweet end to a career filled with what-ifs.
Beyond the NBA, Oden’s journey also led him to a brief stint in China and a memorable return during The Basketball Tournament, but relentless injuries kept him from fulfilling the soaring expectations that had surrounded him since his college days. Looking back, it’s hard not to empathize with a man who showcased such immense talent yet faced an uphill battle against fate. Today, as Oden forges ahead in the world of coaching, there’s a sense of hope and redemption. He’s not just a former player but a mentor, drawing from his own life experiences to inspire the next generation of athletes. It might not be the path he once imagined, but it’s a chance to redefine what success looks like.
