Cleveland Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference Finals loss against New York Kicks shines light on a former Ohio State star having an interesting role with the Cavs

May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) huddles around teammates during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference Finals loss against New York Kicks shines light on a former Ohio State star having an interesting role with the Cavs

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 26, 2026 9:34 AM ET

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A former Ohio State basketball star isn’t playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but instead he’s in a role to help players like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. A unique role for the former Buckeye who spent time in the NBA.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from the NBA playoffs on Monday after being swept by the New York Knicks. Naturally, many Ohio State fans aren’t feeling great about the sport of basketball early this week.

Despite the Cavaliers being swept by the New York Knicks, there was one former Buckeye who caught some spotlight on Monday despite the loss.

A former Ohio State star just wrapped up his first season in a coaching role with the Cleveland Cavaliers

The 2025-2026 NBA season was former Buckeye Kosta Koufos’ first season with the Cavaliers. Koufos is in a player development role with the Cavaliers following his playing career ending in 2023. Koufos played 11 years in the NBA after his standout 2007-2008 season at Ohio State.

Where are they now?

It’s a must win game 4 for the Cavs and one of the first people on the court for warm-ups former Buckeye Kosta Koufos!

You may not know this season he works in player development for Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/IKI8WKK4PN
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) May 25, 2026

This season was the first bit of known coaching experience for the 7-footer. Koufos was tasked with working with players like Cavaliers C Jarrett Allen and PF Evan Mobley, amongst other bigs. Koufos spent a couple of seasons playing overseas after his NBA career ended.

Over his NBA career, the former Buckeyes averaged 5.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game with five different teams. At Ohio State, Koufos started 35 of the 37 games he played, and averaged 14.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.

Koufos is a Canton, Ohio native, and returning to work with the Cavaliers is a cool story. Now, we’ll see where Koufos’ post plays career takes him in basketball after his first season with the Cavs.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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