Former Ohio State basketball player Granville Waiters has died at the age of 60.
Waiters, who played for the Buckeyes from 1980-83, ranks seventh in program history with 136 blocked shots. As a team captain for the 1982-83 season, Waiters averaged 10.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
A Columbus native who starred at East High School before arriving at Ohio State, Waiters went on to play in the NBA for five seasons before finishing his professional basketball career in Spain. Following his basketball career, Waiters worked as a financial consultant.
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, assistant coach Ryan Pedon and fellow former Buckeye big man Jared Sullinger were among those who paid tribute to Waiters on social media.
What a great man! So sorry to hear of his passing. https://t.co/GNnAkQhzAe
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) March 23, 2021
Sad to hear of the passing of Buckeye great Granville Waiters. A Columbus basketball legend and graduate of East High School. Thoughts and prayers are with all who knew/loved him. https://t.co/o0n8yc1APV
— Ryan Pedon (@ryanpedon) March 23, 2021
Heard Columbus legend Granville Waiters passed away... Rest In Peace big fella. This one hurts...
— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) March 23, 2021
“The Ohio State men’s basketball family extends its thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and teammates of Granville Waiters,” Chris Holtmann said in a statement. “We were all saddened to learn of his passing. I’ve been so impressed by the reverence and love his former teammates have expressed this week. It’s clear Granville meant so much to so many. He will surely be missed.”
