NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing 2021 4-Star G Jalen Warley 10 teams
By Ian Mumm
NCAA Basketball option for Jaylen Warley – Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes had one of the hottest starts to the 2019 season, but injuries and departures specifically in the backcourt killed a lot of the program’s momentum. The continuity of Ohio State’s guard play was extremely important to afford Kaleb Wesson enough buffer on the interior to do his damage. If the 3-ball was not falling it was incredibly hard for the program to maintain this gameplan.
Headed into the 2021 season, Ohio State’s backcourt will be significantly reduced. Warley, senior-to-be Duane Washington Jr and 2021 commit Meechie Johnson make up the current trio of players capable of running the offense from the point. However, Washington is best playing off the ball and Warley has a definite edge over Johnson for the final starting spot next to Cal transfer Justice Sueing.
Playing in the Big Ten is a physical task and one Warley’s frame is up for. His perimeter game will improve, but his ability to attack the middle of the defense is going to free up space for Washington to shoot the 3 and Sueing to attack the rim. Aside from Sueing, Warley is likely the only other player on the roster capable of producing more than a steal per game. If 5-star recruits Kendall Brown and/or Trevor Keels decide to join the program, there is potential for the Buckeyes backcourt to reach similar preseason hype prior to the 2019 season.