dark2332
Yeah, I’m thinking I’m back.
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So, this isn't exactly surprising in the case of Funderburk. Clearly he was having some problems outside of basketball, and I applaud Holtmann for cleaning up this program. This is really a testament to Thad being his own worst enemy and needing saved from himself these last few years. Lyle's troubles and quitting the team, the lack of control and discipline in the program. Funderburk "didn't like lifting weights". He couldn't even get minutes on a bad team last year and redshirted. Self-described, Lyle was his mentor and like his big brother. Great example.
This is about changing a culture that was badly in need of it. You have to make these guys "Ohio State" guys, or at least what Holt imagines that to mean. Clearly a current "Ohio State guy" is a scrawny entitled punk who never gets better or bigger because he doesn't work at it. These kids come here as 18 year-olds. Sometimes they need a kick in the ass and it seems Thad has had a problem doing that in recent years.
As for Beverly asking out, I wouldn't be shocked to find out that it came as a result of some Holtmann suggestion. At the least, very likely mutual. We talk about Ohio State guys and not signing 4-year recruits who will hurt your program long-term in quality. It's hard to argue that Beverly was ever the type of player Ohio State should be taking on scholarship. This one might be a blessing in disguise.
Ether way, now we have 8 scholarship guys for 2017/2018. Joey Lane now gets a scholarship this year, but let's be real, we are really at 8.
With Tate and Williams gone after this season, and potentially KBD, we are looking at 7-8 open scholarships after this season. I expect Holtmann to be shooting to take 5 quality guys in the 2018 cycle. Tough considering we currently have zero verbal commits.
When it comes to Goodwin de-committing, I think he will be back. Notre Dame recently took a verbal from a second SG in '18 (Carmody), and Goodwin just took an official visit to OSU again last week (W-F). I think the decommitment was always more about learning this new staff and having never really been recruited after pledging in 2014.
Clearly, SF Jerome Hunter is the crown jewel of Ohio that the staff seems to be high on, and I'd expect him to join the fold. We are currently in his top 5, fighting the likes of Michigan and Indiana. I also like G Dwayne Cohill to get on board as he was a big Holtmann fan and the relationship is already there from being a Bulter target. In addition, 4-star shooting guard Eric Hunter from Indianapolis is one to watch in oncoming months. He's the #5 player in the state of Indiana and included OSU in his top 6 last week along with Xavier, Nebraska, Purdue, Butler, and Minnesota.
OSU needs a big man (missed out on Marcus Bingham, committing to MSU Friday) and a point guard in that class as well, as Cohill is more of a combo. I can see them really working hard on the likes of PG Elijah Weaver with the promise of early playing time.
2017 is likely done. However, 2018 guard Eric Ayala (#1 recruit State of DE) is talking about reclassifying to 2017 after his AAU run in July. He was a heavy Syracuse lean, but they don't have room for him if he reclassifies. OSU and Holtmann just offered him last week and would gladly take him in the fold this fall. He's 6'5, very skilled, and a smart kid. Here's to hoping he chooses to reclassify as I think OSU would be hard to pass-up if so. We have two scholarship guards on the current roster, Jackson and Williams, and we all know Williams can't dribble without staring at it.
Either way, we should expect a rough first year. However, hopefully we see a more organized and committed team, solid improvement, and hustle. I really really like this Holtmann hire.
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