Greg Oden Wanted To Return To College Instead of NBA + Did Not Expect to Go No.1
Summary
Former NBA star Greg Oden joins Channing Frye for a mailbag episode, reflecting on his draft decision, injury-riddled career, and life as a financial literacy consultant. They discuss the hypothetical success of Oden and Brandon Roy had they stayed healthy, with Frye arguing Roy would have been a top-three shooting guard. The duo also analyzes the evolution of the center position, comparing Oden's style to modern players like Daniel Gafford, and shares personal anecdotes about their time at Ohio State and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: PBR, Tecovas, and Fanatic Sports
Introduction of guest Greg Oden
2007 Draft: Expectations and Kevin Durant
Decision to return to college for a year
Memories of the Portland Trail Blazers era
Life after basketball and personal growth
Current work in consulting and mental health
Fun question: Go-to Mario Kart character
How to get a signed jersey and Ohio State stories
Funny story: Halloween as Urkel
Which current player mimics his game style?
Origin story: Love for basketball and stoicism
Teaching consistency and work ethic to youth
Financial literacy and life lessons for athletes
Discussion on IMG Academy and early specialization
Sponsors: Fanatic Sports and PBR
Hypothetical career: What if he stayed healthy?
Memories of playing against LaMarcus Aldridge
Why some skilled players don't make the NBA
Realizing the career wasn't going as planned
Fun fact: Al Jefferson's two-handed dunks
Draft class: Would he have preferred Atlanta?
Analysis of Brandon Roy's potential and skill
Why he chose Ohio State and early teammates
Hypothetical: Healthy B-Roy and Aldridge team
Wilt Chamberlain comparison: Career vs Payday
Lessons from the Miami Heat championship team
Modern NBA strategy: Post play vs Three-pointers
Outro and final sponsor reads
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