Ohio State basketball lands a top Ohio recruit for 2023

The Ohio State basketball program has a lot of new faces this season. The majority of them are from a loaded freshman class. Chris Holtmann brought in a top-8 class in the country for 2022 and has a great track record when it comes to recruiting. He continued that today.

Holtmann landed the second-best player in the state of Ohio. Devin Royal, a four-star small forward from Pickerington Central High School, has committed to the Ohio State basketball program. This is Holtmann’s third commit from the state of Ohio in 2023.

Royal stands at 6’7 and 210 pounds, which is the perfect size for a small forward. He has a strong handle, can make shots from anywhere, and has the size to be versatile on defense. Simply put, he’s a really good player for the Buckeyes to add to their 2023 class.

Holtmann has clearly put an emphasis on building a fence around Ohio this year. All three members of the 2023 class are from the state of Ohio. Now he has the best and second-best player from the state after Royal’s commitment today, choosing Ohio State over Alabama and Michigan State.

As much as I have derided Holtmann’s lack of ability to advance the team in the NCAA Tournament, no one can knock his recruiting abilities. He has brought some top talent into the program since he took over back in 2017. E.J. Liddell, Duane Washington, and Malaki Branham were all brought in by Holtmann.

Royal should be able to come in and help this team right away as a freshman once he comes in next season. He’s the type of player that gives the Buckeyes versatility on both offense and defense. I just hope he can develop into an even better player.

Holtmann is off to a great start for the 2023 class. Hopefully, he can keep it up!