BB Recruiting Update: 2013 is Looking Bright

(Today starts a series of updates involving the future of the Buckeyes on the hardwood. Every once in a while, tBBC will get you updated on those that could be future Buckeyes. As the tradition and program prestige grows under the Thad Matta Era, so does the talent that could hit the court. Today we update you on a few blue chip recruits that could be part of the 2013 Ohio State recruiting class.)

It’s amazing what the future holds when things are done the right way. Championship runs give young players a glimpse of what the future holds when they become part of something special.  Coaching the right way and instilling values beyond the basketball court has led players to the next level of competition. Success breeds success. Now as we look forward to the future of the Buckeyes on the hardwood, one thing has become clear.

The talent in the current and recent classes has built a customary tradition of excellence on and off the court at The Ohio State University.

The class of 2013 shouldn’t be any different as in-state talent and national recruits have kept their eyes on one of the fastest growing programs in the country. Due to the recent success on the court, and the graduation of players to the NBA, there are many up and coming recruits wondering what it would be like to become the next great Buckeye. Thanks to the help of current players and one of — if not the best coaching and recruiting staffs in the nation.

In the class of 2013, that starts with assistant coach Jeff Boals, who has continued his improvement in the recruiting game throughout the last few years. After convincing big man Amir Williams in this year’s class to come to Columbus straight from Detroit, Boals has gotten to work on the upcoming classes. There has yet to be a verbal commitment in the 2012 class, but the three year assistant under Thad Matta has been in contact with six of the best intereted prospects. Though it will more than likely be a light class with so much young talent already on campus, there will be some talent that produces at Value City Arena.

But the top notch talent lies in the 2013 class, where Boals already has one verbal commit in his sights. St. Johns (Toledo) product Marc Loving is a four-star 6’7″ small forward, that has shown intangibles in many different aspects of the game. The projected 3/4 has shown at his age an ability to create offense. Whether it be with his soft touch from 22 feet out, or his ability to drive to the hoop to create offense. His post up abilities are even considered above average for his size and has him projected as a possible power forward down the line. The one thing that puts Loving above others in his class is his coordination skills –specifically knowing where he is on the court. He will use the floor as his road map, opposing mismatches and mistakes as his compass, and more times than not finds a way to his destination. His perimeter game is pretty polished, as he is considered one of the top outside shooters in this class. If you watch the progression he made from his freshman to sophomore campaign on tape, the first thing that sticks out is his increased speed and understanding of the game.  Considered the top prospect out of the great state of Ohio in 2013, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about this future Buckeye.

One of those is the fact that he loves this university. Committing as a freshman in August of 2010, It has been Loving’s dream to be an Ohio State Buckeye. In July, he was one of four Ohio prep players to take part in the LeBron James Skills Challenge in Akron. Loving told Fox Sports Ohio’s Zac Jackson that he was even whispering the words “Ohio State” to his fellow undecided friends and attendees.

Here is a look at what Loving brings to the table already after his sophomore campaign of High School.

Promising Talents:

Though there are not any other locks in the 2013 class, there is a lot of excitement buzzing over the names that could find themselves on the Columbus roster in a few years.  Here is a look at some names that are considering Ohio State in the 2013 class.

Malik Price-Martin – Power Forward, Monsignor Pace HS (Miami): Jeff Boals continues his work in this class in the sunshine state, as Ohio State is one of many schools vying for his services. What sticks out about the four star power forward that is rated the 4th best at the position in the 2013 class according to Rivals, is his all-around game. Like Loving, Price-Martin can post up, hit the soft jumper, and has no problem running the court. Martin is being recruited by some of the top notch programs in the country, but Ohio State will be in the hunt all the way down to the wire.  He’s athletic, makes big plays, and could be a key part of the future down the road.

Chris Walker – Power Forward, Holmes County HS (Bonifay, FL): In august, Walker, who is considered by many, one of the top players in this class, made it known that Ohio State was at the forefront of his recruitment. The 6’9″ five star recruit is ready for the post game at the college level, but is still working on developing his jumper. He is one of the more physical players in the 2013 class. John Calipari and the Kentucky regime have been full steam ahead on obtaining Walker’s services, which could mean that the Buckeyes are slipping down Walker’s ranks. Walker could be the next big man in a list of talents the last few years and has often been compared athletically to Amare Stoudamire.

Treshawn Bolden – Power Forward, Callaway HS (Jackson, MS): In June, Bolden said that Ohio State was his favorite school and the three star big man would be a solid fit in a specific role with the Buckeyes. He is the guy that can do the dirty work for you by cleaning up second chance opportunities near the hoop. The thing about Bolden that is concerning is his team game. He has always been asked to do everything himself, and that could be something that could be worked on in his first year on Campus. Bolden is wanted by many different programs, but Ohio State is a true possibility. If he can work on his transition game, he could be a solid fit in 2013.

Brannen Greene – Small Forward, Mary Persons HS (Forsyth, Georgia): The four star Georgia product has been one of the hottest growing commodity of the 2013 class. Nearly every top notch coach in the country has been in contact with this athletic guard. He plays smartly, by using his speed to his advantage and his shooting touch. There isn’t many places on the court that Greene can’t sink a shot. What has his stock rising is his ability to use his size to stack up against defenders. He has a lot of room to grow and that’s what the coaching staff likes about him. Greene has listed Ohio State in his top three, but hasn’t ruled out schools for their academics (Harvard, Other Mid-Majors), which is a good sign. One big factor could be where 2012 Georgia recruit Tony Parker ends up. Parker has Ohio State in his top three and visited the campus this weekend.

This is just a glimpse of what could be in 2013. There is a lot of talent considering being a Buckeye. The staff here at tBBC will be here to keep you up to date as well.