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Greg Oden Leading Ohio State to the NCAA Finals

Even though the Buckeyes finished the 2008-09 basketball schedule with a respectable 22-11 overall record, no one will forget the heartbreaking double overtime loss to the Siena Saints in the NCAA Tournament. Thad Matta put all that behind him and headed to the off-season to assemble what many have called a “stacked” 2009 recruiting class. It seems as if Coach Matta has addressed each of the teams glaring needs with some of the top baskeball recruits in the country. Not too many fans will lament the loss of freshman center B.J Mullens turning pro, especially when Matta landed Jared Sullinger, a power forward who was rated #4 overall by ESPN.

 Fans once again should expect another trip to the NCAA Tourney just due to the fact that their leading score, Evan Turner, bypassed the NBA draft to return for another season. Couple this with returning veterans, the stellar recruits that Madda landed, and once again, hope springs anew for the Buckeye loyalists. 

2009 Ohio State Buckeye Recruits 

#1 Buckeye Recruit – PF – Jared Sullinger 
Ht: 6’8”

Wt: 250lbs

ESPN Ranking: 4 

There is nothing like securing home grown talent and Coach Thad Matta did just that in his 2009 Ohio State recruiting class by securing Jared Sullinger who many feel was the second best power forward available in the country. Voted Mr. Basketball in Ohio in 2009, Sullinger brings a physical style of play to the Buckeyes that many fans thought was lacking in the past season. Possessing good inside moves from the low post along with the ability to move out and play face up, Sullinger should be making an impact from day one. 

#2 Buckeye Recruit – SF – DeShaun Thomas 
Ht: 6’7”

Wt: 225lbs

ESPN Ranking: 7 

The Buckeyes instantly became more athletic when they recruited this long and extremely athletic small forward from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. DeShaun Thomas will instantly bring even more offense to the Buckeye attack. Not only does he have the ability to post smaller defenders inside, but he possesses the range to hit the jumper from any spot on the floor including the 3 pointer. Although long and lean, he can rebound with authority on both ends of the floor.  With even more improvement in his overall game, DeShaun Thomas is another recruit that should be able to contribute immediately. 

#3 Buckeye Recruit – SG – Jordan Sibert

Ht: 6’4”

Wt: 185lbs

ESPN Ranking: 49 

A slashing, athletic player who loves to attack the rim is what you get with Jordan Sibert. For his size he also has no fear of rebounding with the big boys. Sadly, Sibert broke his leg in the Boo Williams Invitational and may not be ready for the annual July evaluation period, although there is no doubt of the tremendous upside that this young man possesses. 

#4 Buckeye Recruit – SG – Lenzelle Smith, Jr.

Ht: 6’5”

Wt: 210lbs

ESPN Ranking: 66 

Although Lenzelle Smith, Jr. holds the title shooting guard, he also displays excellent ball handling skills and court awareness. His passing is precise both in the transition game and in the half court offense. With his size and quickness, he can also guard the smaller forwards if need be. Smith is also fearless when attacking the rim, a trait that should make him a match-up nightmare for opposing coaches. 

 #5 Buckeye Recruit – PG – Aaron Craft

Ht: 6”2”

Wt: 190lbs

ESPN Ranking: N/A 

Another home grown product, Craft is one of those tough, gritty type of players that will do what it takes to win although everything may not show up in the box score. He shows good ball handling skills and is quicker than what most people believe. Has the strength and passion to be a tenacious defender and keep the opposing guards out of the lane. His attitude and work ethic will ensure that he sees floor time come the start of the season.  
 

Refs:
http://bucknuts.com/basketball/recruiting/index.php?year=2010&filter=commits, http://bucknuts.com/basketball/recruiting/recruit-detail.php?recruit_id=391, http://bucknuts.com/basketball/recruiting/recruit-detail.php?recruit_id=247, http://ohiostate.scout.com/a.z?s=145&p=8&c=1&nid=3501174, http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=44091&season=2010,

Kentucky Coach John Calipari

Trying to determine the best NCAA basketball recruiting class of all time is similar to arguing about the best World Series team or top Super Bowl champion of all time. Every year’s top class has to be looked at in context against the remainder of the competition for that year. You just don’t know when the 4th or 5th best player in a class would have been the best player in a subsequent year. John Calipari, however, may have signed the single-best NCAA basketball recruiting class of all time this year at Kentucky. You just don’t see many teams landing four top 25 and five top 50 recruits in a given class, but Coach Cal has done just that making the Kentucky Wildcats one of the favorites for the 2009-10 NCAA title.

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#1 NCAA Basketball Recruiting Class of All Time – 2009 Kentucky Wildcats