OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
OSU Basketball Recruiting Blog
Bucknuts44820 and crazybuckfan40
The AAU circuit kicked off this past month with major tournaments around the country including the King James Classic in Akron, Ohio and Coach Matta and staff are out on the recruiting road in hopes of building on the success of the past two years. AAU tournaments are critical in recruiting. For the most part they allow schools to evaluate prospects against quality competition and also ensures that the prospect will have an opportunity to show what they can do against other prospects. Many coaching staffs use the AAU circuit as a major evaluation tool, while also evaluating their high school games, the AAU circuit is where most coaching staffs feel they can get that quality time so to speak to really disect a prospect's talent.
In the past two years, the OSU basketball program has continued to climb the ladder of success under Coach Matta and with back to back 20 + win seasons and an outright Big Ten championship this past year, the program is on the rise. Buckeye fans have reached a new level of expectations with this current success and the next few years promise to bring more excitement. All the great programs have at least one common thread between them and that is the ability to recruit great players to their programs. Thad Matta has brought that back to the OSU basketball program in just a little over two years after his arrival.
Coach Matta and his staff have aggressively pursued the nationally ranked players and are set to welcome on campus this fall, arguably the best class of 2006 headlined by the National High School Player of The Year, Greg Oden. The 2006 class has gained national attention and deservedly so, but the next few years in and around Ohio, there are many great prospects that will make an impact and shape the face of college basketball in the next few years.
The class of 2006, nationally known as the "Thad Five" has not even arrived on campus yet and already the staff is currently targeting the 2007 and 2008 classes. Ohio State has become a major school on the recruiting landscape and the program has already received several verbals for each class but Coach Matta continues to target some of the nation’s best players, trying to in his own words "wake-up a sleeping giant". Let’s take a closer look at a few of the main targets for the 2007 class and a quick glance at the 2008 class.
2007 CLASS
SG – Jon Diebler – 6-7/175
crazybuckfan40: Jon is one of the best all around prospects in the 07' class. He can do just about at anything on the court. He can catch and shoot, he can shoot off the bounce, he can take you to the hole, he can pass it, he can dribble it, and most of all he is a hard worker and will get after you on D. The only thing that Jon lacks at this time is overall strength, but he has a full year to work on that. Right now he is just playing AAU and has been pretty dominant in most of his games. Sometimes his shot is off but that is because he forces things. He is going to be an amazing compliment player, to the guys that we have coming in and he will get open looks and he has the ability to knock those down. When thinking about him I think of a guy like JJ Reddick, not as good a shooter but has the potential to be better at most other facets of the game.
Bucknuts44820: Jon originally verbaled to Valpo but prior to his junior year he had a change of heart and committed to OSU on 9/23/05. Diebler is a great shooter who has good range from the perimeter and can get to the basket off the dribble. He is starting to develop into a very good all around player, displaying the ability to rebound and share the ball in addition to his scoring ability. Once Diebler adds some strength and size to his frame he will be a very good player. Scored 77 points in one game this year, now that is impressive. Jon will be a nationally ranked prospect.
Interest: Verbal 9/23/05
SG – Dante Jackson – 6-5/195
crazybuckfan40: I know 44820 and I disagree on this one, but I still think that his ticket to tOSU might be as a football prospect, but after saying that, he is a very strong prospect, and still has a chance to earn an offer, but I staff has been looking at him for quite a long time and he still has yet to get that offer. I also am not sure if they want to bring in another wing that isnt a top notch player. I think they are still evaluating and if there isnt an offer over the summer I don't think one will come. I see him as a guy that might take a year or two in a system until he becomes real productive.
Bucknuts44820: A very smooth player who in my opinion would be a great addition to the program on and off the court. OSU is showing interest but has not offered up to this point. Dante is starting to receive more attention from the high majors. Kansas State recently offered. His game reminds me of a former Buckeye, Brian Brown. Jackson is the type of player who just plays solid and at the end of the game, you look at his numbers and he dominated.
Interest Level: Jackson reportedly would be tempted by an OSU offer. The only question is if that offer will come. Jackson has stated a desire to make a decision prior to his senior season. Look for OSU to take a good look at Jackson and make a decision on an offer before the end of the summer.
PF/C – Kosta Koufos – 7-1/250
crazybuckfan40: I said this in his thread, but he really reminds me of Dirk. It is not often you see a 7'1'' guy be able to shoot the 3 with consistency. He is a mismatch nightmare for opposing teams, because no one has a guy that is 7' that can step out on the perimeter and play the guy and if you put a smaller guy on him he is going to be able to take it down low and post up. I would be hard pressed to find 5 guys that I would rate higher. Once he fully recovers from his foot injury I think that he will continue to improve his game and should be a force the first day he step on a college court. Hopefully in Columbus.
Bucknuts44820: A tremendous player who has the rare size and ability to play two or three positions on the court. Widely considered a top ten player in the 2007 class. Believed to be a main target of the staff. Kosta can shoot from the perimeter and does a good job in the paint. Once he continues to add weight to his frame, he possibly could develop into a dominating force in the paint and on the perimeter. Recently suffered an injury to his foot but has returned to the court this past month with no ill effects. Simply a must get for the staff in this class.
Interest Level: Kosta reportedly has strong interest in OSU. He is also being recruited by Maryland and Louisville who seem to be the main competition for his services. At this point, I believe it will be hard for another program to beat OSU in this race. Look for a possible verbal in late summer.
C – Solomon Alibi – 7-1/230
crazybuckfan40: A very intriguing prospect, who has a ton of potential. Not everyday you come across a 7' guy with as much potential as him. I think he still has a lot of developing to do, but could become a dominant guy within a year in college. He is very athletic for being 7' foot. I think if there is any guy on this list that you can look at and say you will see him in the NBA, Alibi is it.
Bucknuts44820: A very interesting prospect with his best basketball ahead of him at this stage. Solomon has only played three years of organized basketball and he is still developing. The best part of his game is on the defensive end, he is still developing his offensive game. Ohio State offered early, partly because of his potential down the road. Will be a nationally ranked player in the 2007 class.
Interest Level: OSU offered early and has been involved from the beginning. Recently, Florida State was named the leader. It is early in the process but Alibi possibly could find his way to Columbus in the end.
PF – Dallas Lauderdale – 6-9/250
crazybuckfan40: I think Dallas is your perfect example of a raw big guy. He is a huge PF type player, that would be dominant on the defensive end. He can block shots and rebound and bang down low. He is that enforcer much like a Ben Wallace. He has a ways to go on the offensive end but has been working on it. He has dissapeared in games when playing against good competition, but he will develop with time. He already has a college ready body to be able to bang down low, so once he develops his offensive game he could be an all-conference type player. I think he is the second most important recruit in this class behind Kosta. Having Lighty here will help as they were on the same AAU team.
Bucknuts44820: Lauderdale is a very powerful player who uses his incredible wing span on defense and displays nice touch around the basket. Will be a nationally ranked player in the 2007 class. Dallas is still developing and has enormous potential in the future. Many believe he could be the next verbal and it could come in the next few months. Another key prospect that Matta and company would love to add to the program.
Interest Level: Most people close to the situation believe Dallas favors the Bucks and in my opinion he is the most likely to verbal next. He is also looking at Syracuse, Louisville, Michigan and UNC. Having Lighty on our team is going to help us.
SF – Evan Turner – 6-6/175
crazybuckfan40: He is another guy with unlimited potential. I think he is on his way to being a national prospect. He is arguably the top player in Illinois. He would be an awesome pickup to go along side Diebler, and I see a guy like him being a guy that they would recruit because he is a national prospect and I don't see them reaching at all for another wing with the guys in the 06' class and guys the could come in the 08' class. This would could take a while, but there is quite a bit of interest from out side and hopefully he shows us a lot of love.
Bucknuts44820: Recently received an offer from OSU. Considered a top prospect in Illinois and nationally. Could play the #2 position at the next level. Turner is a great team player who can score from anywhere on the court.
Interest Level: The buzz going around the recent King James Classic was that both parties were interested but it’s a little early to predict what OSU’s chances are with this fine prospect.
PF – J.J. Hickson – 6-8/230
crazybuckfan40: He just recently showed up, but I think he is one of the guys on the top of our board. I think if he was in Ohio, he would be the top guy on the board, but they have been waiting on Lauderdale. I think he is a better prospect than Lauderdale, but he is going to be much harder to grab than Lauderdale. He has that 15-18 ft. jumper that you like from your PF. I think the staff might push hard and see what comes of it and if they have a chance.
Bucknuts44820: A new name on the board for OSU recruiting. Hickson is considered a top 20 player in the 2007 class. A good rebounder who finishes well around the basket, would be an excellent addition in the post with Oden.
Interest Level: Again, it’s early in the process with Hickson as OSU recently became involved but the staff reportedly likes Hickson and his game. Ohio State, UNC, UConn, Illinois and Arizona are all involved at this point.
PG/SG – Demetri McCamey – 6-3/200
crazybuckfan40: Not real familar with him, as he is new onto the scene, but he could play anyone of the two guard spots and is a teammate of above mentioned Evan Turner. Stayed tuned on him and his teammate for more info in the upcoming summer months as interest is really going to pick up in these two.
Bucknuts44820: Another new name on the recruiting scene for OSU. Teammates with Evan Turner another OSU target. Reportedly has been offered by OSU. Nationally ranked prospect. Demetri can play the 2 guard position as well as point guard. Excels in transition.
Interest Level: McCamey has not given a list of schools but expect OSU to be involved.
TOP TARGETS FOR 2008
C – B.J. Mullens – 7-1/240
crazybuckfan40: He is just another guy over 7'. He has a ton of potential. He recentally transfered to Canal Winchester to further develop his game. He is very athletic for his size and once he develops he will be a stud in Columbus.
Bucknuts44820: Mullens became the very first prospect to verbal to Matta upon his arrival two years ago. B.J. recently transferred to Canal Winchester (OH). Mullens is developing his game and has continued to add weight since his freshman year. Averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds a game as a sophomore. Personally, when watching film of Mullens, the thing that sticks out for me right away is his quick feet and his footwork in general. Mullens is considered a top 15 prospect nationally in the 2008 class.
Interest: Verbal 12/15/04
SG – Walter Offutt – 6-3/175
crazybuckfan40: He is ranked in the top 25 nationally and has a tremendous amount of talent, but wasnt able to showcase this past year, because he was nursuing a knee injury and would only play one game and then sit one. He will be a combo guard as a SG/PG here. I look for some big things out of him this summer as he will be able to play full go and get back to where he was.
Bucknuts44820: Offutt is a nationally ranked player and a top player in Indiana. Suffered a knee injury prior to his sophomore season and played every other game during the season while he recovers from the injury. Viewed as a combo guard who excels in both positions.
Interest: Verbal 10/4/05
SF – Delvon Roe – 6-7/225
crazybuckfan40: I really like Roe. He is rising up the charts and has the potential to be a very dominant PF. Most people that have seen him come away raving about his potential. I know right now he doesnt have that jumper, but he has 2 years to develop a 15-18 ft. jumper. That would make him even that much more dominate. I see him and Gates fighting for the PF spot in the 08 class.
Bucknuts44820: Roe is a rising prospect, he has good size and is very effective in the paint. Averaged 23 points and 13 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Will be a nationally ranked prospect in the 2008 class. OSU could be close to offering.
Interest Level: Ohio State seems to be putting the full court press on Roe. Roe is interested in Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Duke, UConn, Tennessee and OSU.
SF – William Buford – 6-5/190
crazybuckfan40: Buford is probably the fastest rising prospect in the state of Ohio. He has just been tearing up the AAU circuit. He is a long wing, which is a great thing to have on the college level. He is also only a sophmore, so he still has time to grow an inch or two before he even gets to college. He also averages a double double which is great versatility for a SF. He is already ranked #18 in the very early rankings for the 08' class, but I think there is a chance that he could move up and be top 10. I wouldnt be suprised in any way to see him get an offer over the summer. He would be a great compliment to go along with Offut who is already verbaled for the 08' class.
Bucknuts44820: Buford is another rising prospect nationally who is having a great spring. Buford averaged close to 23 points and 11 rebounds per game as a sophmore. The OSU staff is putting the full court press on Buford. William will be a top target in Ohio and on a national level.
Interest Level: Obviously it’s early in the process, but he has made several trips this past year to Columbus for games. Michigan and Michigan State are also involved.
C – Kenny Frease – 6-11/255
crazybuckfan40: He is another guy in the 08' class. He has a ton of potential and has really developed his game over the past year. The only bad thing for his sake is that we already have a 7 footer in the class and two centers in a class that is going to need a wing and a PF might be the thing that keeps him from getting an offer. Regardless, Frease will make a school very happy with his verbal down the road.
Bucknuts44820: Frease had an excellent sophomore season. In my opinion, could be a sleeper in this class. Has made major strides in two years and is starting to dominate games in the paint. Averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds a game last year.
Interest Level: Frease has expressed interest in Ohio State and the staff has been to several of his games this past year. Could be one to watch in the future.
PF – Yancey Gates – 6-8/230
crazybuckfan40: Gates is a national prospect already. He could be the number one prospect in the 08' Ohio class. He has a tremendous amount of potential and I like him a whole lot. Him and Mullens would be dominant playing besides each other. Gates still has a lot of room to grow as a player and needs to work on his jumper, but is a defensive stopper.
Bucknuts44820: OSU has offered Gates and they are high on him. A very physical player who simply overpowers his opponents. Most likely the best big man in Ohio for the 2008 class. Gates would be a major addition to the program. Gates has a big wing span that gives him an advantage down in the paint.
Interest Level: Could be a hard prospect to land, but it is early in the process and Matta has been known to pull off the unexpected.
SG – Rayshawn Goins – 6-5/210
crazybuckfan40: Goins has a ton of potential and has great size for a SF. He has work to do, and right now I see Buford as being a lot higher on the board, but he has a lot of time to develop.
Bucknuts44820: Goins is a player who is starting to really develop into a very good prospect. He could be one to watch down the road, will be a top player in Ohio in this class. Ohio State was in attendance for several of his games. More of a scorer at this point than a pure shooter.
Interest: Very early in the process but he is listing Cincy, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State and Purdue.
Be sure to check out BuckeyePlanet for future features on the OSU basketball program.
Bucknuts44820 and crazybuckfan40
The AAU circuit kicked off this past month with major tournaments around the country including the King James Classic in Akron, Ohio and Coach Matta and staff are out on the recruiting road in hopes of building on the success of the past two years. AAU tournaments are critical in recruiting. For the most part they allow schools to evaluate prospects against quality competition and also ensures that the prospect will have an opportunity to show what they can do against other prospects. Many coaching staffs use the AAU circuit as a major evaluation tool, while also evaluating their high school games, the AAU circuit is where most coaching staffs feel they can get that quality time so to speak to really disect a prospect's talent.
In the past two years, the OSU basketball program has continued to climb the ladder of success under Coach Matta and with back to back 20 + win seasons and an outright Big Ten championship this past year, the program is on the rise. Buckeye fans have reached a new level of expectations with this current success and the next few years promise to bring more excitement. All the great programs have at least one common thread between them and that is the ability to recruit great players to their programs. Thad Matta has brought that back to the OSU basketball program in just a little over two years after his arrival.
Coach Matta and his staff have aggressively pursued the nationally ranked players and are set to welcome on campus this fall, arguably the best class of 2006 headlined by the National High School Player of The Year, Greg Oden. The 2006 class has gained national attention and deservedly so, but the next few years in and around Ohio, there are many great prospects that will make an impact and shape the face of college basketball in the next few years.
The class of 2006, nationally known as the "Thad Five" has not even arrived on campus yet and already the staff is currently targeting the 2007 and 2008 classes. Ohio State has become a major school on the recruiting landscape and the program has already received several verbals for each class but Coach Matta continues to target some of the nation’s best players, trying to in his own words "wake-up a sleeping giant". Let’s take a closer look at a few of the main targets for the 2007 class and a quick glance at the 2008 class.
2007 CLASS
SG – Jon Diebler – 6-7/175
crazybuckfan40: Jon is one of the best all around prospects in the 07' class. He can do just about at anything on the court. He can catch and shoot, he can shoot off the bounce, he can take you to the hole, he can pass it, he can dribble it, and most of all he is a hard worker and will get after you on D. The only thing that Jon lacks at this time is overall strength, but he has a full year to work on that. Right now he is just playing AAU and has been pretty dominant in most of his games. Sometimes his shot is off but that is because he forces things. He is going to be an amazing compliment player, to the guys that we have coming in and he will get open looks and he has the ability to knock those down. When thinking about him I think of a guy like JJ Reddick, not as good a shooter but has the potential to be better at most other facets of the game.
Bucknuts44820: Jon originally verbaled to Valpo but prior to his junior year he had a change of heart and committed to OSU on 9/23/05. Diebler is a great shooter who has good range from the perimeter and can get to the basket off the dribble. He is starting to develop into a very good all around player, displaying the ability to rebound and share the ball in addition to his scoring ability. Once Diebler adds some strength and size to his frame he will be a very good player. Scored 77 points in one game this year, now that is impressive. Jon will be a nationally ranked prospect.
Interest: Verbal 9/23/05
SG – Dante Jackson – 6-5/195
crazybuckfan40: I know 44820 and I disagree on this one, but I still think that his ticket to tOSU might be as a football prospect, but after saying that, he is a very strong prospect, and still has a chance to earn an offer, but I staff has been looking at him for quite a long time and he still has yet to get that offer. I also am not sure if they want to bring in another wing that isnt a top notch player. I think they are still evaluating and if there isnt an offer over the summer I don't think one will come. I see him as a guy that might take a year or two in a system until he becomes real productive.
Bucknuts44820: A very smooth player who in my opinion would be a great addition to the program on and off the court. OSU is showing interest but has not offered up to this point. Dante is starting to receive more attention from the high majors. Kansas State recently offered. His game reminds me of a former Buckeye, Brian Brown. Jackson is the type of player who just plays solid and at the end of the game, you look at his numbers and he dominated.
Interest Level: Jackson reportedly would be tempted by an OSU offer. The only question is if that offer will come. Jackson has stated a desire to make a decision prior to his senior season. Look for OSU to take a good look at Jackson and make a decision on an offer before the end of the summer.
PF/C – Kosta Koufos – 7-1/250
crazybuckfan40: I said this in his thread, but he really reminds me of Dirk. It is not often you see a 7'1'' guy be able to shoot the 3 with consistency. He is a mismatch nightmare for opposing teams, because no one has a guy that is 7' that can step out on the perimeter and play the guy and if you put a smaller guy on him he is going to be able to take it down low and post up. I would be hard pressed to find 5 guys that I would rate higher. Once he fully recovers from his foot injury I think that he will continue to improve his game and should be a force the first day he step on a college court. Hopefully in Columbus.
Bucknuts44820: A tremendous player who has the rare size and ability to play two or three positions on the court. Widely considered a top ten player in the 2007 class. Believed to be a main target of the staff. Kosta can shoot from the perimeter and does a good job in the paint. Once he continues to add weight to his frame, he possibly could develop into a dominating force in the paint and on the perimeter. Recently suffered an injury to his foot but has returned to the court this past month with no ill effects. Simply a must get for the staff in this class.
Interest Level: Kosta reportedly has strong interest in OSU. He is also being recruited by Maryland and Louisville who seem to be the main competition for his services. At this point, I believe it will be hard for another program to beat OSU in this race. Look for a possible verbal in late summer.
C – Solomon Alibi – 7-1/230
crazybuckfan40: A very intriguing prospect, who has a ton of potential. Not everyday you come across a 7' guy with as much potential as him. I think he still has a lot of developing to do, but could become a dominant guy within a year in college. He is very athletic for being 7' foot. I think if there is any guy on this list that you can look at and say you will see him in the NBA, Alibi is it.
Bucknuts44820: A very interesting prospect with his best basketball ahead of him at this stage. Solomon has only played three years of organized basketball and he is still developing. The best part of his game is on the defensive end, he is still developing his offensive game. Ohio State offered early, partly because of his potential down the road. Will be a nationally ranked player in the 2007 class.
Interest Level: OSU offered early and has been involved from the beginning. Recently, Florida State was named the leader. It is early in the process but Alibi possibly could find his way to Columbus in the end.
PF – Dallas Lauderdale – 6-9/250
crazybuckfan40: I think Dallas is your perfect example of a raw big guy. He is a huge PF type player, that would be dominant on the defensive end. He can block shots and rebound and bang down low. He is that enforcer much like a Ben Wallace. He has a ways to go on the offensive end but has been working on it. He has dissapeared in games when playing against good competition, but he will develop with time. He already has a college ready body to be able to bang down low, so once he develops his offensive game he could be an all-conference type player. I think he is the second most important recruit in this class behind Kosta. Having Lighty here will help as they were on the same AAU team.
Bucknuts44820: Lauderdale is a very powerful player who uses his incredible wing span on defense and displays nice touch around the basket. Will be a nationally ranked player in the 2007 class. Dallas is still developing and has enormous potential in the future. Many believe he could be the next verbal and it could come in the next few months. Another key prospect that Matta and company would love to add to the program.
Interest Level: Most people close to the situation believe Dallas favors the Bucks and in my opinion he is the most likely to verbal next. He is also looking at Syracuse, Louisville, Michigan and UNC. Having Lighty on our team is going to help us.
SF – Evan Turner – 6-6/175
crazybuckfan40: He is another guy with unlimited potential. I think he is on his way to being a national prospect. He is arguably the top player in Illinois. He would be an awesome pickup to go along side Diebler, and I see a guy like him being a guy that they would recruit because he is a national prospect and I don't see them reaching at all for another wing with the guys in the 06' class and guys the could come in the 08' class. This would could take a while, but there is quite a bit of interest from out side and hopefully he shows us a lot of love.
Bucknuts44820: Recently received an offer from OSU. Considered a top prospect in Illinois and nationally. Could play the #2 position at the next level. Turner is a great team player who can score from anywhere on the court.
Interest Level: The buzz going around the recent King James Classic was that both parties were interested but it’s a little early to predict what OSU’s chances are with this fine prospect.
PF – J.J. Hickson – 6-8/230
crazybuckfan40: He just recently showed up, but I think he is one of the guys on the top of our board. I think if he was in Ohio, he would be the top guy on the board, but they have been waiting on Lauderdale. I think he is a better prospect than Lauderdale, but he is going to be much harder to grab than Lauderdale. He has that 15-18 ft. jumper that you like from your PF. I think the staff might push hard and see what comes of it and if they have a chance.
Bucknuts44820: A new name on the board for OSU recruiting. Hickson is considered a top 20 player in the 2007 class. A good rebounder who finishes well around the basket, would be an excellent addition in the post with Oden.
Interest Level: Again, it’s early in the process with Hickson as OSU recently became involved but the staff reportedly likes Hickson and his game. Ohio State, UNC, UConn, Illinois and Arizona are all involved at this point.
PG/SG – Demetri McCamey – 6-3/200
crazybuckfan40: Not real familar with him, as he is new onto the scene, but he could play anyone of the two guard spots and is a teammate of above mentioned Evan Turner. Stayed tuned on him and his teammate for more info in the upcoming summer months as interest is really going to pick up in these two.
Bucknuts44820: Another new name on the recruiting scene for OSU. Teammates with Evan Turner another OSU target. Reportedly has been offered by OSU. Nationally ranked prospect. Demetri can play the 2 guard position as well as point guard. Excels in transition.
Interest Level: McCamey has not given a list of schools but expect OSU to be involved.
TOP TARGETS FOR 2008
C – B.J. Mullens – 7-1/240
crazybuckfan40: He is just another guy over 7'. He has a ton of potential. He recentally transfered to Canal Winchester to further develop his game. He is very athletic for his size and once he develops he will be a stud in Columbus.
Bucknuts44820: Mullens became the very first prospect to verbal to Matta upon his arrival two years ago. B.J. recently transferred to Canal Winchester (OH). Mullens is developing his game and has continued to add weight since his freshman year. Averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds a game as a sophomore. Personally, when watching film of Mullens, the thing that sticks out for me right away is his quick feet and his footwork in general. Mullens is considered a top 15 prospect nationally in the 2008 class.
Interest: Verbal 12/15/04
SG – Walter Offutt – 6-3/175
crazybuckfan40: He is ranked in the top 25 nationally and has a tremendous amount of talent, but wasnt able to showcase this past year, because he was nursuing a knee injury and would only play one game and then sit one. He will be a combo guard as a SG/PG here. I look for some big things out of him this summer as he will be able to play full go and get back to where he was.
Bucknuts44820: Offutt is a nationally ranked player and a top player in Indiana. Suffered a knee injury prior to his sophomore season and played every other game during the season while he recovers from the injury. Viewed as a combo guard who excels in both positions.
Interest: Verbal 10/4/05
SF – Delvon Roe – 6-7/225
crazybuckfan40: I really like Roe. He is rising up the charts and has the potential to be a very dominant PF. Most people that have seen him come away raving about his potential. I know right now he doesnt have that jumper, but he has 2 years to develop a 15-18 ft. jumper. That would make him even that much more dominate. I see him and Gates fighting for the PF spot in the 08 class.
Bucknuts44820: Roe is a rising prospect, he has good size and is very effective in the paint. Averaged 23 points and 13 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Will be a nationally ranked prospect in the 2008 class. OSU could be close to offering.
Interest Level: Ohio State seems to be putting the full court press on Roe. Roe is interested in Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Duke, UConn, Tennessee and OSU.
SF – William Buford – 6-5/190
crazybuckfan40: Buford is probably the fastest rising prospect in the state of Ohio. He has just been tearing up the AAU circuit. He is a long wing, which is a great thing to have on the college level. He is also only a sophmore, so he still has time to grow an inch or two before he even gets to college. He also averages a double double which is great versatility for a SF. He is already ranked #18 in the very early rankings for the 08' class, but I think there is a chance that he could move up and be top 10. I wouldnt be suprised in any way to see him get an offer over the summer. He would be a great compliment to go along with Offut who is already verbaled for the 08' class.
Bucknuts44820: Buford is another rising prospect nationally who is having a great spring. Buford averaged close to 23 points and 11 rebounds per game as a sophmore. The OSU staff is putting the full court press on Buford. William will be a top target in Ohio and on a national level.
Interest Level: Obviously it’s early in the process, but he has made several trips this past year to Columbus for games. Michigan and Michigan State are also involved.
C – Kenny Frease – 6-11/255
crazybuckfan40: He is another guy in the 08' class. He has a ton of potential and has really developed his game over the past year. The only bad thing for his sake is that we already have a 7 footer in the class and two centers in a class that is going to need a wing and a PF might be the thing that keeps him from getting an offer. Regardless, Frease will make a school very happy with his verbal down the road.
Bucknuts44820: Frease had an excellent sophomore season. In my opinion, could be a sleeper in this class. Has made major strides in two years and is starting to dominate games in the paint. Averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds a game last year.
Interest Level: Frease has expressed interest in Ohio State and the staff has been to several of his games this past year. Could be one to watch in the future.
PF – Yancey Gates – 6-8/230
crazybuckfan40: Gates is a national prospect already. He could be the number one prospect in the 08' Ohio class. He has a tremendous amount of potential and I like him a whole lot. Him and Mullens would be dominant playing besides each other. Gates still has a lot of room to grow as a player and needs to work on his jumper, but is a defensive stopper.
Bucknuts44820: OSU has offered Gates and they are high on him. A very physical player who simply overpowers his opponents. Most likely the best big man in Ohio for the 2008 class. Gates would be a major addition to the program. Gates has a big wing span that gives him an advantage down in the paint.
Interest Level: Could be a hard prospect to land, but it is early in the process and Matta has been known to pull off the unexpected.
SG – Rayshawn Goins – 6-5/210
crazybuckfan40: Goins has a ton of potential and has great size for a SF. He has work to do, and right now I see Buford as being a lot higher on the board, but he has a lot of time to develop.
Bucknuts44820: Goins is a player who is starting to really develop into a very good prospect. He could be one to watch down the road, will be a top player in Ohio in this class. Ohio State was in attendance for several of his games. More of a scorer at this point than a pure shooter.
Interest: Very early in the process but he is listing Cincy, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State and Purdue.
Be sure to check out BuckeyePlanet for future features on the OSU basketball program.
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