OSU coach Thad Matta watches from the sidelines in the 1st half of the March 30 NCAA Tournament game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles against Wichita State. OSU lost, 70-66.

Lantern file photo

Thad Matta has officially announced the promotion of Greg Paulus to assistant coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball team.

Paulus, who spent the last two seasons as the team’s video coordinator, replaces Chris Jent, who recently became an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. Jent left OSU after two seasons.

Matta said Paulus is ready and able to make a significant impact to the program.

“I’ve had a long association with Greg from recruiting, watching him as a player, and working with him as our video coordinator the last couple years,” Matta said, according to a press release. “He has done all the right things to make himself read for this opportunity. We are fortunate to add his basketball experience and knowledge to our coaching staff.”

Paulus, a three-year starter at point guard for Duke University from 2006-09, also played quarterback for a season at Syracuse while he pursued a master’s degree. Prior to coming to OSU, he was an assistant coach at Navy for the 2010-11 season.

“It has been an honor to be a part of the Ohio State University community for the last two years,” Paulus said, according to the release. “I am extremely grateful to Coach Matta and the coaching staff for the opportunity to have a larger role with a basketball program that has great success and history. I look forward to representing and further developing the basketball tradition at The Ohio State University.”

Paulus’ contract is for two years and he will make $170,000 per year, according to an OSU athletic spokesman.

Filling Paulus’ role of video coordinator is Jake Diebler, the older brother of former Buckeye Jon Diebler.

Dielber joins OSU after finishing his second year as assistant coach and fourth year overall as a member of the University of Valparaiso’s coaching staff.

Diebler was a student assistant after finishing his playing career for the Crusaders, and spent one year as director of basketball operations.

Matta said Diebler’s hire was an easy one, given his basketball background.

“Jake comes from an accomplished basketball family,” Matta said, according to the release. “He has been a winner as a player at the high school and collegiate levels and has continued that success into the coaching ranks. His work ethic is second to none and I know he will be a fantastic addition to our basketball family.”

Diebler said joining OSU was an easy move after watching his brother Jon play there.

“To be part of the best program in the country was an opportunity I could not pass up,” Diebler said. “Because my brother Jon played here, I have a great appreciation for Ohio State basketball. The chance to work with Coach Matta and the coaching staff will help me and my professional career.”

Diebler was part of a staff at Valparaiso that helped lead the Crusaders to 22 wins and the regular-season Horizon League Championship in his first season as assistant coach.

Diebler, whose contract does not have a set length, will earn $60,000 per year according to an OSU athletic spokesman.

OSU is scheduled to open its season Nov. 9 against Morgan State in Columbus.