1. Aaron Craft (6-0 175, Guard, Liberty Benton. Findley, OH). Craft is a tough gritty guard who will remain many who are familiar with Big Ten basketball of Purdue's Chris Kramer. A former all state quarterback, Craft is a steady outside shooter and a relentless defender. He has also developed a good repoire with fellow class members Jordan Sibert and Jared Sullinger. I look for Craft to play a lot of minutes next year as a freshman.
2. Jordan Sibert (6-5 180, Guard, Cincinnati Princeton, Cincinnati, OH). Most of you will remember Sibert from the Princeton vs Northland Ohio High School Division I championship game. Sibert is an very athletic 2-Guard, he is similar to a David Lighty with a more consistent jump shot and a very good ability to move without the ball. Sibert would have been a 5-star player but a knee injury at the end of his junior season has set him back some if he can return to his previous form he will be a very good ball player.
3. J.D. Weatherspoon (6-7 190, Forward, Columbus Northland, Columbus, OH). Weatherspoon was the least recruited of the group and is a late bloomer. The buzz and hype coming at of Columbus was for his buddy and fellow team mate Jared Sullinger, but Weatherspoon has also shown that he is a star in the making. Ultimately my take after watching him play is that he has the most potential and upside of the group because of his tremendous athletism. He could be redshirted next year and will need to develop his overall game. He has Vince Carter like hops, and if he can develop a jumper and improve his defensive ability he can become very special.
4. Deshaun Thomas (6-7 210, Forward, Bishop Luers, Fort Wayne, IN). This kid is a stud. Of all the recruits in this class, this super lefty is the most likely to be one and done. In a matchup against Columbus Northland and fellow future team mates Sullinger and Weatherspoon, Thomas showed what he could do, and although his team was soundly beaten Thomas didnt disappoint going for 30+ points. Thomas specialty is his post game but he can also light it up from outside. His game will remind many of former Buckeye George Reese but with the ability to put it on the floor and the ability to score points in bunches. I look for him to contribute right away.
5. Lenzelle Smith (6-3 215, Guard, Zion Benton, Zion, ILL). When I observe Lenzelle's game, the first player I thought of was a Deron Williams. He is very good without the ball in his hand and very good with the ball in his hands as well. He is a smooth and good shooter and will create matchup problems because he is a lefty. He is not overly quick and is a little above average athletically but is a very very cerebral player and a very good passer, one of the best out of this class. He reminds me of D-will because he is a big bodied Guard that can get in the lane and can run the point. I actually look for him to be the point guard in his second year. He can also be a very good two guard his outside game is very good.
6. Jared Sullinger (6-9 265, Forward/ Center, Columbus Northland, Columbus, OH). Jared is the gem, and focal point of this class. He is a dominant low post scorer with pro aspirations. He has very good fundamentals, he will remind alot of people of a young Tim Duncan and has the toughness and motor of an Tyler Hansbrough. His rebounding ability will make OSU a national contender from Day one. His best trait is that he is committed to winning and comes from winning family and program.
Sullinger will look to make an impact.
OUTLOOK FOR 2010. With the addition of these 6 recruits and the return of Lauderdale, Buford, Lighty, and Diebler this team will be a Big Ten favorite if they can solidify the point guard position. If Turner returns, which is unlikely, than this team is the favorite to win the national title. Having Sullinger in the post will open up Diebler and Buford even more. Thomas will add another scoring threat. This team will have it all. Scorers outside, scorers inside, inside play, experience, athleticism and talent, and they have already added a 5-star point guard for the 2011 class in guard Shannon Scott out of Georgia. I look for Ohio State to make a major jump as a basketball power and should be able to secure at least two national championships within the next five years. Lets get out there and start supporting our basketball Buckeyes people!
