The 2006–07 Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team, led by coach Thad Matta, had a remarkable season, finishing 35–4 and winning the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles.

The 2006–07 Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team had one of the most remarkable seasons in recent history. Under the leadership of head coach Thad Matta, the Buckeyes finished the year with an impressive 35–4 record, capturing both the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championships. Their success was driven by a perfect blend of talented players, solid teamwork, and strategic coaching, which led them to the pinnacle of college basketball that year. Though their season ended with a close loss in the national championship game, the journey itself was full of excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments that helped to solidify their place as one of the most successful teams in Ohio State’s history.
One of the most significant aspects of the 2006–07 season was the performance of the team’s star players. The Buckeyes were led by freshman sensation Greg Oden, whose presence in the middle of the court was felt both offensively and defensively. Oden, a 7-foot center, was regarded as the top prospect in the nation, and his dominance was key to Ohio State’s success. His shot-blocking ability, rebounding skills, and offensive post moves made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Oden was not just a force in the paint, but he also had the agility and basketball IQ to make plays and facilitate the offense, despite being a freshman. Throughout the season, his impact was undeniable, and he quickly became the centerpiece around which the team was built.
In addition to Oden, Ohio State boasted an array of talented players who contributed to the team’s success. The team featured a dynamic backcourt with Mike Conley Jr., a point guard known for his leadership and court vision. Conley was a key player in running the offense and was instrumental in getting the ball to Oden in the post. Conley’s ability to drive to the basket, coupled with his excellent passing, made him a dual threat. His basketball IQ was off the charts, and he had a knack for making big plays in crucial moments. Alongside Conley was shooting guard Ron Lewis, who was known for his scoring ability, especially in clutch moments. Lewis could light up the scoreboard with his sharpshooting, and he often made big plays when the team needed them the most.
The supporting cast around these stars was also crucial to the team’s success. Ohio State had a deep and well-balanced roster, featuring players such as Jamar Butler, who provided scoring and leadership from the perimeter, and Ivan Harris, who added versatility and energy off the bench. The team’s bench was filled with players who could come in and contribute without missing a beat, providing the necessary depth to make a deep run into the NCAA tournament. The blend of talented starters and valuable role players helped ensure that the Buckeyes could compete at the highest level throughout the season.
The 2006–07 season started with high expectations for Ohio State, and they quickly lived up to the hype. The team was ranked No. 1 in the country at various points during the season, with their undefeated streak to start the year generating buzz across the college basketball landscape. Their early success was due in large part to their ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they were a well-oiled machine, with Oden and Conley leading the charge, while Lewis and Butler provided scoring depth. Defensively, the Buckeyes were relentless, with Oden serving as a shot-blocking presence in the paint and Conley taking pride in locking down opposing guards.
The team’s dominance in the Big Ten conference was evident from the very beginning of the season. Ohio State finished the regular season with a record of 14–2 in Big Ten play, earning the top seed in the conference tournament. Their regular-season victories included key wins over ranked opponents like Wisconsin and Michigan State, which showcased their ability to perform under pressure. The Big Ten tournament was equally impressive, with Ohio State taking home the championship after defeating Illinois in the final. The combination of Oden’s size and skill, Conley’s leadership, and the team’s overall depth made them the team to beat in the Big Ten, and they handled their opponents with relative ease.
Ohio State’s performance in the NCAA tournament further solidified their standing as one of the elite teams in college basketball that year. In the opening rounds, the Buckeyes breezed through their competition, with dominant victories over teams like Central Connecticut State, Georgetown, and Memphis. Their first real test came in the Final Four, where they faced the heavily favored University of Florida, who had won the national championship the previous year. However, Ohio State, led by Oden and Conley, was up to the challenge and managed to defeat Florida in a thrilling game to advance to the championship game.
The NCAA championship game, held on April 2, 2007, in Atlanta, was a battle for the ages. Ohio State faced the University of Florida once again, this time in a rematch of the previous year’s championship game. Florida was a powerhouse in college basketball, and they were led by a group of seniors who had already proven their ability to win at the highest level. However, Ohio State had one of the most dominant freshmen in the game’s history in Oden, and they were determined to capture their first national title since 1960.
The game itself was a hard-fought contest, with both teams trading blows throughout the first half. Oden, who had been an unstoppable force throughout the tournament, was a key factor in keeping Ohio State in the game. He scored effectively in the post, grabbed crucial rebounds, and altered numerous shots on the defensive end. However, Florida’s depth and experience began to show in the second half, as they pulled away late in the game to secure the win, 84–75. Despite their valiant efforts, Ohio State fell short of the national championship, but their runner-up finish was still an extraordinary achievement for the team and the program.
While the loss in the national championship game was undoubtedly disappointing, it did not diminish the greatness of the 2006–07 Ohio State Buckeyes. The team had accomplished so much during the season, winning the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, making a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and coming within a hair’s breadth of capturing a national championship. Their success was a testament to the coaching staff, led by Thad Matta, who had done an excellent job in bringing together such a talented group of players and getting them to perform at their highest level.
Thad Matta’s leadership was crucial throughout the season, as he helped guide the team through the ups and downs of the college basketball season. Matta was known for his emphasis on defense, discipline, and team chemistry, and his philosophy was evident in the way Ohio State played on both ends of the floor. His ability to get the best out of his players, especially the young ones like Oden and Conley, was one of the key reasons for the team’s success. Matta’s leadership also helped the team stay focused on the ultimate goal, even in the face of adversity and pressure.
For the players, the 2006–07 season was a defining moment in their careers. Greg Oden, who was expected to be a top pick in the NBA Draft, lived up to the hype and showed the world why he was considered the most talented player in college basketball. His impact on the game was undeniable, and his time at Ohio State was short but unforgettable. Mike Conley Jr. also helped elevate his stock in the NBA Draft, with his exceptional playmaking and leadership skills earning him praise from scouts and analysts alike. Ron Lewis and the rest of the team made valuable contributions that helped them reach the pinnacle of college basketball, and their experience together created lasting memories that would define their college careers.
After the season ended, many of the key players, including Oden and Conley, declared for the NBA Draft, marking the end of an era for the Ohio State basketball program. Oden would go on to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, while Conley was chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies as the No. 4 pick. Both players went on to have successful careers in the NBA, and their time at Ohio State remains one of the most memorable chapters in the history of college basketball.
The 2006–07 Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team will forever be remembered for their remarkable season, which included capturing the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, making a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and coming close to winning the national championship. Though they ultimately fell short in the title game, their performance throughout the year was a testament to their talent, determination, and teamwork. The team’s success under Thad Matta’s leadership helped to further solidify Ohio State’s place as one of the premier programs in college basketball, and the players who took the court that year will always be remembered as part of an elite group in Ohio State basketball history.