Classmates in Indiana greatly admire ‘legend’ OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby’s Journey from Indiana University to Knicks Fame

Before he became a savior for the Knicks in the NBA Finals, OG Anunoby was just a reserved kid navigating the corridors of Indiana University and occasionally attending frat parties in Bloomington. Now, at 27, he’s leading New York’s championship ambitions, and alumni from his college are proudly watching one of their own evolve into a legend for the Knicks.

For those Indiana University grads living in New York City, he still embodies that friendly, soft-spoken student who loved Young Thug and mingled at tailgates, long before establishing himself as one of the best two-way players in the NBA.

Anunoby, who played under coach Tom Crean at Indiana from 2015 to 2017, has become an unexpected hero for New Yorkers with Hoosier ties. For alumni who have been Knights fans for ages, seeing him perform at Madison Square Garden is almost a fairy tale come to life.

“I met OG during my campus orientation in 2015,” recalled Jason Morin, 28, a former student. He described the basketball star as remarkably approachable and warm. Morin mentioned that Anunoby had a close friendship with Thomas Bryant, a current center for the Cavaliers.

“They were quite the duo, making for a lively atmosphere. TB really helped OG come out of his shell,” Morin added.

Even back as a freshman on the court at Assembly Hall, his potential was evident to peers who regarded him as one of the most talented athletes playing that season.

“It’s surreal to see him thriving with the Knicks now,” Morin noted, adding that both New York and Bloomington will remember him as a legendary figure.

Josh Romita, another former student, reminisced about the early days in the dorms, describing Anunoby as a fan favorite. He expressed excitement over Anunoby’s trade to the Knicks, calling it “the best reunion.” Romita remarked, “This is like a storybook moment for us.”

“After 14 years of holding season tickets, we’ve experienced some tough times as fans. Watching OG play, particularly his chip shots, feels almost unreal. What he brings to the city is tremendous—he deserves the keys to the city, truly,” he added with a laugh.

On the personal side, Anunoby is known for his down-to-earth nature. Romita recalled how he showed up at a Zeta Beta Tau party, happy to take photos with anyone who asked. “Seeing him enjoying himself at a frat party was a different side to him,” Romita mentioned, recalling a moment when Anunoby lifted someone onto his shoulders during a tailgate event.

There’s something unique about being a fan of both Hoosier basketball and the Knicks, who have both experienced historical highs and lows, only to find success again after extended struggles.

Dylan Reist, 29, noted that Anunoby’s ascent has bridged two fan bases well-acquainted with the lengthy wait for championship glory. “Watching him grow from college to the NBA has been remarkable. The transformation from the Tom Crean days to his current impact on the Knicks is something I’ve never witnessed before. I feel honored to follow his journey as both a Hoosiers and Knicks supporter,” he remarked.

Even after entering the NBA, former classmates say Anunoby hasn’t changed one bit. Morin mentioned they kept in touch post-graduation and even reconnected after a Knicks-Raptors game in 2017.