Tony Parker Chooses UCLA Over Ohio State

Headed to UCLA

As we mentioned earlier today, Tony Parker was rumored to be heading to UCLA. That's exactly what took place after an hour-long ceremony of his signing.

The 6'9", 270-pound native of Lithonia, Ga., chose the Bruins over Ohio State, Kansas, Duke, Georgia, and Memphis.

This past season, Parker averaged 16.8 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks per game for a Miller Grove (Ga.) team that finished 24-9.

"Duke, Ohio State and UGA: Those three schools were right behind. I love [Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski], I love what he had going, but I just thought UCLA was a better fit for me and the people I was coming in with," Parker said. 

"Ohio State, it doesn't get no better for a big man there. But I just thought I would have to work harder at UCLA and would probably come in with more of a chip on my shoulder."

While missing out on Parker does sting, an earlier commitment from Amedeo Della Valle helps ease the pain, if only slightly.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics.

2012 Basketball Recruit Tony Parker To Announce Decision Today

Will Parker join the Buckeyes?

Tony Parker, a 6-foot-9, 265-pound senior basketball center from Miller Grove High in Lithonia, Georgia, will announce his college choice in a 3 p.m. news conference Monday at his school. He has a final list of Kansas University, UCLA, Georgia, Duke and Ohio State.

The 20th-rated player in the Class of 2012 is said to be favoring UCLA. With the low numbers the Buckeyes have, Thad Matta would sure love to land this kid and it's certainly a possibility.

Scouting Report via 247Sports: Showed an excellent motor while playing for the Georgia Stars at the Nike EYBL in Los Angeles. Uses body well to establish position on the block, and can score with either hand around the basket. 

Has an ability to square up defenders in the mid-range and make a move toward the basket. Parker can get up and down the court well, and doesn't look like he's maxed out in terms of height just yet. 

Once he fully develops, grows into his body and benefits from an advanced conditioning program the sky is the limit for the versatile athlete.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics.

Freshman Recruit F LaQuinton Ross Ineligible

The NCAA doesn't stop, and now it's got it's eyes on the OSU basketball program by ruling incoming star forward LaQuinton Ross. Ross, an incoming freshman to this class, was supposed to be a huge part of this year's team to try and win a National Championship.

The reason for being announced ineligible was due to him failing his entrance exams such as the SAT/ACT.

Per 11W:

"Ross was ranked as the 43rd best player in the class of 2011 by Rivals and as the 13th best small forward in the class by Scout. Ross' agenda in the short term appear to be to head back home to Mississippi in order to take a class and retake the SAT in an effort to be granted eligibility. Even without the talented freshman, the Bucks are still expected to be amongst the nation's premiere teams in 2011/2012. Ohio State still welcomes in the highly touted Amir Williams, Sam Thompson, Shannon Scott, and Trey McDonald to join a core that includes Jared Sullinger, Aaron Craft, and William Buford."

Basketball Recruiting Update - Lenzelle Smith, Jr. + Robbie Hummel's Injury

Time to see what he can do

Lenzelle Smith, Jr.

Lucky player #4 in our adventure through player profiles of all newcomers to the basketball team is Lenzelle Smith, Jr. Lenzelle is the third highest ranked recruit in this class, according to ESPN, along with having the coolest first name in the class (according to me). In my last player preview, I gushed over Aaron Craft because he is what many pundits would call a "true" point guard, in that he is a great distributor of the ball, and also he is a great defender, thus making him exactly the type of player I want running my team. Lenzelle Smith, Jr. is essentially the exact opposite type of point guard that Aaron Craft is.

Basketball Recruiting Update

Stud

Today's profile will be about my sleeper pick for most important player in this recruiting class, Mr. Aaron Craft. For those of you who don't know, Aaron Craft is a 6'2", 190 pound point guard out of Findaly, OH. Yes, that is correct, I said point guard. And that is exactly what has me so excited about seeing him play. Ohio State has not had a true point guard since the days of Jamar Butler (no, P.J. Hill doesn't count). Rumors had Lenzelle Smith ahead of Craft at the point, but Smith is suffering from a wrist injury, and may miss the start of the season. While that is unfortunate, Smith is described as a combo guard, and Craft a true point guard.