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NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Scottie Barnes’ final eight

By Lukas Harkins

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: A general view of chairs on the sideline before the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan State Spartans during the second round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: A general view of chairs on the sideline before the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Michigan State Spartans during the second round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 15: Coach Holtmann of the Buckeyes shouts. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 15: Coach Holtmann of the Buckeyes shouts. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State’s Chris Holtmann is no longer a rising star in the coaching ranks. Since taking over as the leader of the Buckeyes, Coach Holtmann has quickly asserted himself on the recruiting trail and on the sidelines as one of the best in the nation. With this said, I do not want to be the one counting out THE Ohio State University with regards to this recruitment. Even though Ohio State has been a successful program for a long time, it feels as though they are knocking on the door of taking the next step. Landing a top-5 prospect in Scottie Barnes might be exactly what they are looking for.

Versatility is arguably the most important trait in a prospect and Barnes fills the meter. If he continues to improve on his 3-point shot, he could become the top player in this class over the next few months. He already brings the ability to defend multiple positions and create for others at 6-foot-8. With his high skill level, he would be a fit at any school so building a relationship with the coaching staff and feeling out each campus will likely be the priority for Barnes prior to making his decision. Ohio State recently visited Barnes for an open gym.

It is also important to mention that the Buckeyes have the No. 12 recruiting class in the nation coming in for this coming season. That group is headlined by D.J. Carton (No. 28) and it is possible that all four commits stay in Columbus for the next few years. If that is the case, Barnes would be joining a talent-rich roster full of former top-100 recruits. Coach Holtmann has done more with less in the past and now he is starting to rake in top talent. Watch out.

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