Ohio State offers top 25 hoops prospect from Texas

It was a bit of a quiet day on the recruiting trail for Ohio State on Tuesday. However, head coach Chris Holtmann and the basketball Buckeyes got into the action in the evening hours when they sent out another offer to a prospect in the 2022 class.

Bucks eye Iwuchukwu

Ohio State, who currently finds themselves with the No. 2 ranked hoops class in the country for 2022, certainly looks to be flirting with the idea of adding a big man to the fold. After offering four-star power forward Alex Karaban of New Hampton School (NH) on Monday, the Buckeyes decided to follow that up by offering four-star center Vince Iwuchukwu of Montverde Academy (FL) not even 24 hours later.

The 7-foot, 220-pounder has corralled offers from an impressive group of programs including Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, West Virginia, and more throughout his recruitment. Iwuchukwu, originally from the Lone Star State, is currently slotted just inside the top 25 at No. 24 overall, and finds himself among the five best centers in his class.

247Sports’ National Recruiting Analyst Brandon Jenkins expects the newest Ohio State offeree to become a Power-5 starter when all is said and done:

Iwuchukwu is a fairly raw and mechanical big man prospect with a high upside who has been a steadfast worker and it has helped him make gradual improvement towards his body and skill set. The foundation of his production will be determined by how hard he plays. He has become more assertive and committed to rebounding the basketball and is a really tall and long prospect with elite shot altering capabilities. He shows flashes of skill, but nothing is completely polished just yet. He has a good looking release on his jump shot and developing touch that extends all the way to the three-point line. His upside is in his feel and awareness offensively. He rushes at times when he receives the ball offensively, which can result in a forced shot or turnover. The confidence, energy, and love for the game are there but once the game slows down for him, we could see Iwuchukwu transform into an elite high major center down the road.

By the looks of things, the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for if they hope to come out victorious in this battle though. Fresh off of a national championship victory in April, it’s the Bears of Baylor who currently are the overwhelming favorite on the 247Sports Crystal Ball to land Iwuchukwu.

Top 100 prospect set to visit

Switching gears from the hardwood to the gridiron, the Scarlet and Gray will get another crack at a top 2023 defensive target next week.

According to Jeremy Birmingham of Lettermen Row, four-star safety/linebacker Ta’Mere Robinson of Brashear (PA) will make his way to Columbus for the much-anticipated Buckeye BBQ. The Pittsburgh standout was already on campus last month as he showed out at camp in front of the Ohio State coaching staff, and was rewarded by picking up an offer from the program.

Getting the 78th overall player and one of the best prospects from the state of Pennsylvania to visit twice in a two-month span certainly won’t be a bad thing in the Buckeyes pursuit of the 6-foot-4, 210 pounder.

Quick Hits

• On3.com named Ohio State 2021 defensive end signee Jack Sawyer of Pickerington North (OH) a five-star prospect on Tuesday, and the No. 2 prospect overall in their rankings.
• 2023 interior offensive lineman Clay Wedin of Carrollwood Day (FL) will also visit the Buckeyes next week, according to Jeremy Birmingham of Lettermen Row. Wedin is currently graded as a three-star prospect on 247Sports, and has already received an offer from Ohio State.