Ohio State Recruiting: Chris Holtmann and staff beginning to roll
Chris Holtmann is on a roll with his Ohio State recruiting classes.
Last night Torrence Watson took to twitter to announce he would become the first member of Chris Holtmann’s 2018 Ohio State recruiting class. His commitment, following Musa Jallow agreeing to join the ‘17 class just a few days ago, gives the basketball program a much-needed boost. Now coach Holtmann and his staff appear to be on a roll.
Both Watson and Jallow are 6-5 shooting guards and Ohio State is in need of back court help. Braxton Beverly asked for and received a release from his scholarship, and Duane Goodwin decommitted from next year’s class and decided to play for Notre Dame instead. Now, Watson and Jallow coming on board have filled those voids.
Let’s take a look at what each player brings to the table beginning with the most recent commit.
Watson is listed at 6-5, 175 pounds and is ranked as the 23rd best shooting guard and No. 100 player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite.
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Steve Helwagen of 247Sports reported that Watson averaged 29 points and 7 rebounds last year as a junior, and dropped 44 points with 10 boards in a district championship win. It would be a good thing if he could bring that kind of scoring punch to the Buckeyes’ back court.
Jallow is listed at 6-5, 200 pounds and ranked as the 31st best small forward and the No. 120 player in the country in the 247Sports Composite. Most speculate he will at least begin his Ohio State career as a shooting guard / wing player.
Like Watson, Jallow knows how to put the ball in the hole. According to Tim Shoemaker of Eleven Warriors, he averaged 24.1 points and 9.5 rebounds last season.
Chris Holtmann was in a tenuous situation when he took over as head coach of the Buckeyes with the mass exodus of players recently. Then he lost the last player committed to the 2018 Ohio State recruiting class as well as one from this year’s class.
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But he has now replaced those two players, and previously added forward Kyle Young who was a member of his 2017 class at Butler. It would appear coach Holtmann has righted the ship for the moment, and he and his staff are now on a roll. Things are finally looking up for the Ohio State basketball program.