Ohio State Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

Justin Ahrens – Versailles, OH

Forward | 6-foot-5 | 180 lbs | No. 249 overall

An in-state product, Justin Ahrens was originally committed to play for the Buckeyes under former head coach Thad Matta. After Matta was relieved of his duties following the 2016-17 season, Ahrens reopened his recruitment. Yet, thanks to renewed efforts by the coaching staff following the hiring of Coach Holtmann, Ahrens ended up recommitting to the program. Even though he might not be the highest-rated incoming player, he brings a well-rounded game to the table with plenty of size.

Although listed as a forward on the team roster for this year, this does not do Ahrens’ versatility justice. A true “wing” in that he can play any position 2-through-4, Ahrens boasts above-average athleticism and can also be a knockdown shooter. In addition, he already has enough strength to compete at the college physically, something that some recruits struggle with early in their careers.

Furthermore, Ahrens sees the floor quite well for a wing and can be a secondary playmaker when on the court. He understands how to fill in the correct lane during the fastbreak and can either spot up on the perimeter or finish around the basket in transition. In regards to potential playing time as a freshman, Ahrens addressed this to 247Sports:

"“They have said they are lacking shooters. They had Keita (Bates-Diop) last year and a couple other guys who could knock down some shots. They were telling me as long as I could shoot the ball and not be a liability on defense and show I can defend a couple positions, there are a lot of minutes for me on the table.”"