Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing top 15 players from 2019 recruiting class
By Joey Loose
6. Alonzo Gaffney (Ohio State – SF)
An area talent from Cleveland, Gaffney is just one of the top-50 pieces that Chris Holtmann is adding to this Buckeyes program. Gaffney had offers from Florida, Kansas, and Michigan State among other teams, choosing to sign with Ohio State in late November.
The 6’9 forward benefits from both great size and a long wingspan, giving him the ability to dominate down low while protecting the rim on defense. His shooting stroke is already solid, but will continue to develop over time. He’s lanky, and added strength will only improve his game, giving him greater success down low, especially on defense. Ball handling has been a problem, but there’s a whole lot of future potential for Gaffney. He’s a future first round pick if everything comes together for him; building muscle and finding consistency on the court are keys for this to happen.
Gaffney will play behind Andre Wesson on a team full of developing talent. Like previously mentioned, this is a case of development. Gaffney could be a vastly underrated gold mine of a prospect if he can put everything together, but there’s also a possibility that this never results. Either way, he’s going to be part of a deep rotation of skilled players for the Buckeyes and it’ll be interesting to see what he can give Holtmann in his debut season.