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Released at noon on Tuesday, ESPN's updated rankings for the sophomore class include several potential Buckeyes and players with Ohio State interest. Let's take a look at where the Ohio State targets check in.
No. 3 Harry Giles (6'9 PF / Winston-Salem Wesleyan Christian, NC)
Checking in two spots behind Virginia center Thon Maker (No. 1) and Detroit combo-guard Josh Jackson (No. 2), Giles is the top power forward prospect in a deep 2016 class. In addition to an existing offer from Ohio State, Giles also lists offers from Duke, Florida State, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Wake Forest. Recovering from a knee injury suffered over the summer, Giles has been cleared for shooting drills in the last week and looks to return to action come AAU season.
No. 4 Jayson Tatum (6'6 SF / St. Louis Chaminade Prep)
One of several elite wings in a stacked sophomore class, Tatum checks in one spot behind Giles. On top of his offer from Ohio State, Tatum is also receiving interest from Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and North Carolina. With elite size for the small forward position, Tatum is an unselfish wing with great court vision and finishing ability, while also showing the potential to be a knockdown shooter from the perimeter.
No. 6 V.J. King (6'7 SG / Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary)
Ohio's lone prospect in the top 25, King continues to prove himself as a top 10 player in the 2016 class. After a stellar showing at the Flyin' To The Hoop Invitational two weekends ago, King showed all the signs of being an elite wing guard. Scoring tough baskets matched up with Ohio State commit Keita Bates-Diop, King's scoring ability looks to translate flawlessly to the college level.
No. 11 Justin Jackson (6'7 SF / Las Vegas Findlay Prep)
Looking to be the next phenom from the Great White North, the Canadian wing Jackson checks in four spots lower than where he was previously ranked by ESPN. Playing his first season in the states, Jackson has played under Kansas commit Kelly Oubre on a loaded Findlay Prep unit. While not holding an Ohio State offer, Jackson told me over the summer that the Buckeyes were the first school to show him any interest.
No. 22 Mario Kegler (6'7 SF / Jackson Callaway, MS)
Hailing from the same town as current Ohio State wing LaQuinton Ross, Kegler is an underrated member of an elite class of small forwards. At 6'7 and 218 pounds, Kegler is a slashing forward with moderate athleticism, while also showing to be a crafty finisher with either hand around the basket. The Mississippi native also lists offers from St. John's, Texas, UCLA and UNLV.
For the complete list of rankings, visit here.
