Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball: Analyzing each program’s 2019 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
15 of 15
Next
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Coach Holtmann of Ohio State. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Coach Holtmann of Ohio State. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

490. . . . Ohio State Buckeyes. . player

Ohio State has been one of the most consistent programs in the Big Ten for the last several years. Former head coach Thad Matta posted a tremendous string of success while leading the team and Chris Holtmann has taken the program up a notch. The Buckeyes have reached the Big Dance in each of the first two years under Coach Holtmann and their recruiting has been flat-out superb. Ohio State’s 2019 class was ranked at No. 14 in the nation and these incoming freshmen will make significant impacts.

Most notably, DJ Carton (No. 34) looks poised to be an absolute star at the college level. He is a 6-foot-1 point guard with tremendous all-around skill. He commands the floor extremely well with his court vision, strong shooting, and outstanding defense. Carton is also an underrated athlete and will make some eye-popping plays right away as a potential starter. He will be competing with CJ Walker for that starting lead guard spot.

Additionally, fellow highly-rated recruit EJ Liddell will likely emerge as the starting power forward for the team. He ranked at No. 44 overall in the class and boasts a tremendous motor and versatile skill set. He can practically function in just about any role on the court as he constantly outworks the opposition. Liddell should immediately produce next season as a solid scorer, rebounder, and defender. He will pair nicely with Kaleb Wesson in the frontcourt.

Alonzo Gaffney is yet another four-star prospect in this class with potential for immediate playing time. He was ranked at No. 50 overall and his versatility will allow for him to fit in many different lineups. Gaffney stands at 6-foot-9 with an absurd wingspan and tremendous athleticism. He needs to make some strides with regards to his skill level but the physical gifts are obvious.

Lastly, this group is rounded out by Ibrahima Diallo. He is a true 7-footer ranked at No. 367 in the class with a bright future. It is unlikely that he will see the court as a freshman but he is definitely an intriguing prospect. With the right development, he could be a star big man in the future.

Next. Way-too-early 2020 bracketology. dark

That concludes this look at the incoming recruiting class for each Big Ten Basketball program. There are definitely a few future stars among those mentioned in this article and it will be interesting to see the development of every player. Some may transfer out over the years but others will experience plenty of success with their respective programs.

Home/Big Ten