Former Ohio State star not happy about Devin Royal leaving Buckeyes
Ohio State basketball legend Evan Turner had some thoughts about Devin Royal deciding to enter the transfer portal. He doesn't seem happy.
Former Ohio State basketball star Evan Turner doesn't seem too happy about Devin Royal entering the transfer portal . In a somewhat curious move, Royal decided that after three seasons in Columbus, he would be moving on in search of new scenery. After a stellar career in Scarlet and Gray, which culminated in being named the 2010 National Player of the Year and a first-round NBA draft pick, Turner's No.
21 was retired and hung in the rafters. After wearing No. 21 himself at Pickerington Central High School, Royal hoped to don the same for the Buckeyes .
But to do so, Royal would have to get special permission from Turner, who granted the request. But now that Royal is bailing on Ohio State, Turner doesn't seem so keen on handing out his digits any time soon. Once the news came out about Royal hitting the portal, Turner was quick to make a post on social media stating, "I don't want anyone else wearing #21.
" I dont want anyone else wearing #21. — Evan Turner (@thekidet) March 29, 2026 It has to be tough for Turner, who, even though he left a year early, gave his all for the program. The team gets back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years, and the one you gave your blessing to wear your retired number turns his back on that same program because a 5-star recruit (Anthony Thompson) is coming in that could take his starting spot.