It became officially official Saturday morning when Stony Brook announced Jeff Boals would be its next head coach. Boals spent the previous seven seasons working as an assistant for Ohio State coach Thad Matta.
As the Buckeyes' lead recruiter, Boals brought an abundance of talented players to Columbus during his seven seasons. He coached three All-Americans and was part of three Big Ten titles and a Final Four.
After the news broke Friday afternoon, several former Ohio State players weighed in on their former coach.
“Knowing that he is pursuing his dreams to be a head coach is big time," former Ohio State star and current Los Angeles Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell said in a press release. "He has always been super supportive and a major mentor to me and my family throughout my process, thanks once again.
"P.S. Just became a Stony Brook fan.”
Added 2010 Wooden Award winner Evan Turner: “Jeff Boals will be a great addition to the Stony Brook community. His commitment, passion, and knowledge of the game is second to none. I'm excited to see the rise of the Stony Brook basketball program!”
Some other former Ohio State players weighed in on Twitter.
Congrats to Stony Brook and @JeffBoals, who I can say with % sincerity is a coach who still coaches me to this day. Best of luck JB
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) April 8, 2016
@StonyBrookMBB you guys are getting a great one! Congrats to @JeffBoals on the new head coaching job! Much deserved! #greatcoachbetterperson
— Jon Diebler (@J_Diebler) April 8, 2016
Congrats to Stony Brook and @JeffBoals, who I can say with 100% sincerity will forever be one of the coaches I've ever had in my life.
— Mark Titus (@clubtrillion) April 8, 2016
There's isn't a coach more deserving, congrats @JeffBoals!! https://t.co/hRAYiWFgsM
— Joey Lane (@JoeySmoke11) April 9, 2016
On his Instagram, Boals expressed his excitement for the new opportunity.
