Update on Ohio State four-star PF target

Ohio State basketball head coach Chris Holtmann is leading the Buckeyes in what has been a solid start to this season. The Buckeyes found themselves back in the AP Top 25 on Monday after securing the season sweep over Rutgers on Saturday, despite losing point guard C.J. Walker to a hand injury before the game.

However, while Ohio State has looked impressive through the start of Big Ten play, Holtmann is remaining focused on the future as well. The Buckeyes already have two commitments in the 2021 class in four-star shooting guard Malaki Branham and three-star power forward Kalen Etzler, and is still in the running for two five-star centers.

Next year’s recruiting class looks to be even more impressive. With the commitments of four-star SG Roddy Gayle Jr., four-star PG Bruce Thornton and three-star SG Bowen Hardman, the Buckeyes currently hold the top group in the 247Sports class rankings.

Holtmann and the Buckeyes are not done with the 2022 class though, and on Monday we learned the team is still recruiting another blue-chip forward to join the class. Jake Weingarten of stockrisers recently spoke with four-star PF Tarris Reed Jr., and he mentioned Ohio State as a team he is in constant communication with.

In particular, Reed had the following to say when discussing Coach Holtmann and the Buckeyes:

“I like Ohio State and their offense. I like the way Coach [Chris] Holtmann is playing E.J. Liddell. I worked out with him many times and to see what he is doing on the court is impressive. I can see myself fitting in well in their program.”

The above is good news for Buckeye Nation as Reed has a personal connection with the program, knowing current Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell, who has been the heart and soul of the Buckeyes this season.

In addition to Ohio State, Reed is also being prioritized by Illinois, Butler, Iowa and Michigan State and at this point in his recruitment, there does not seem to be a true leader for his services.

While Reed seems to be best suited as a power forward at the collegiate level, Ohio State may be looking at him to play some center as well. It is no secret the Buckeyes do not have a true center on this year’s roster, and while the team is working to earn a commitment from one in this year’s cycle, a big-bodied forward like the 6-foot-10, 230-pound Reed would be a solid contender to play at the position if need be.

Reed’s recruitment will be one to follow for Ohio State fans, but do not expect a decision to come any time soon.

Quick Hits:

• Rivals updated their 2021 basketball recruiting rankings on Monday and the update was not too kind to the Buckeyes. Four-star SG commit Branham fell one spot to No. 42 overall and three-star PF Etzler fell 15 spots to No. 145.