Former No. 1 overall pick and Ohio State legend Greg Oden knows better than anyone what it’s like to face sky-high expectations — and crushing setbacks. Now partnering with Lucky Energy for the “What Are the Odds” campaign, Oden joined The BIG Factor to share what he's learned, especially for the next generation of NBA stars.

When asked what he'd tell top prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey, Oden kept it simple — and wise:

“Honestly? Worry about yourself. Don't worry about what everybody else has to say. All you can do is try your best, be coachable, enjoy this journey, and have fun. It’s gonna be a lot of people wanting a lot from you, but if you do those things, you’ll feel better on the other side.”

For Oden, the message is clear: block out the noise, stay grounded, and remember why you started playing in the first place.

The former Buckeye great also praised Cooper Flagg’s fit with the Dallas Mavericks, acknowledging the hype but emphasizing the grind that still awaits:

“He’s a great talent… but he’s still going to have to work for it and prove himself. He has a great coach, great players around him. If it works out, it’s going to be a scary team.”

Through it all, Oden’s perspective — shaped by injuries and the reality of life after basketball — offers something every young player should remember: the spotlight can fade, but how you carry yourself lasts forever.

Check out the full ep and all of our interviews in the free BIGPLAY App!