Beyond Bruce Thornton, who was selected in the recent NBA Draft, a cohort of additional former Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball players are making their way to the NBA Summer League, which is scheduled to tip off on July 3rd. These athletes are poised to showcase their talents and vie for long-term positions within the esteemed professional basketball league.
Ohio State Alumni Pursue NBA Dreams in Summer League
As the summer of 2026 unfolds, several standout individuals who honed their skills at Ohio State are transitioning to the next phase of their basketball careers, participating in the NBA Summer League. These promising talents are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to impress scouts and coaches, following in the footsteps of their former teammate Bruce Thornton, who secured a spot in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Among these hopefuls is Roddy Gayle, a versatile guard from Ohio State who spent two seasons with the Buckeyes before transferring to Michigan for another two. Gayle has inked an Exhibit 10 contract with the Detroit Pistons, a deal offering him a chance to participate in training camp and potentially secure a spot in the G-League. Over his collegiate tenure, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound guard posted averages of 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
Another notable player joining the ranks is Meechie Johnson Jr., a dynamic guard who also had two separate stints with both Ohio State and South Carolina. Johnson has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat. Standing at 6-2 and weighing 172 pounds, Johnson's college career spanned 148 games, where he averaged 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, demonstrating his perimeter scoring ability with 33.0% shooting from beyond the arc.
Felix Okpara, a formidable center and a member of the 2022 Ohio State recruiting class alongside Gayle and Thornton, is also embarking on his NBA journey. After two seasons with the Buckeyes and two more with Tennessee, Okpara was chosen as the 46th pick in the draft and was subsequently acquired by the Washington Wizards. The 6-foot-11, 220-pound big man compiled career averages of 6.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 143 collegiate appearances.
Finally, Christoph Tilly, who played one season at Ohio State after transferring from Santa Clara, has secured an Exhibit 10 deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite battling injuries during his single season with the Buckeyes in 2025-26, the 7-foot, 225-pound center still managed to average 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 32 games. His overall collegiate career statistics include 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over 118 games.
The collective aspiration of these former Ohio State athletes to compete at the highest level underscores the rigorous training and development fostered by their university program. Their participation in the NBA Summer League not only offers a platform for individual success but also reflects positively on the legacy of Ohio State basketball, showcasing its capability to produce professional talent. These players represent the culmination of years of dedication, and their pursuit of NBA careers serves as an inspiration for aspiring collegiate athletes. The upcoming Summer League will be a critical proving ground, offering a glimpse into the future of these promising young stars.
