As if Ohio State basketball commit Dane Goodwin wasn't already having a great summer, things got that much better for the 6-foot-4 swingman last weekend. Fresh off a debut appearance in the Top 50 of ESPN's 2018 rankings, Goodwin elevated his performance to an even higher level at the 16e Nike Peach Jam.
Leading All-Ohio Red — which is coached by former Buckeye great Matt Sylvester — to a Peach Jam title, Goodwin was as good as advertised. He averaged 17.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game and shot better than 56 percent from the field. Going for 17 points and nine rebounds in a 64-49 championship victory over UPlay Canada, Goodwin showed his full arsenal of skills on the biggest stage up to this point in his career.
Goodwin's improved play caught the eye of national scouts, as he has refined his offensive game in a variety of ways. While mental toughness might be his biggest area of improvement, Goodwin's ability to get in the lane and finish is also intriguing.
Ohio State commit Dane Goodwin evolving in front of our eyes. Showing passion + major toughness around the basket. Improved athleticism
— Corey Evans (@coreyevans_10) July 9, 2016
Goodwin, who met unreasonably high expectations after committing to Ohio State prior to logging a single minute at the high school level, is beginning to exceed those expectations one by one. After all, in the last six months, Goodwin led his high school to a district title in Ohio's toughest region, led All-Ohio Red 16u to multiple titles, with none being bigger than the 16e Peach Jam, and now appears at No. 42 in ESPN's rising junior rankings.
Goodwin is Ohio State's lone commit in the 2018 class and earned a case to be considered the top overall player in the state of Ohio. His production level and consistency puts him among the best of the best. With the Buckeyes targeting Ohio at a high level, Goodwin is the centerpiece in a 2018 class that could offer a ton of in-state flavor.
As we have previously reported, Ohio State extended offers to in-state prospects in Kyle Young in the 2017 class, Dwayne Cohill and Darius Bazley in the 2018 class, and Jordan Mitchell in the 2019 class. With lone commits in the 2017 and 2018 class in Kaleb Wesson and Goodwin, respectively, Ohio State has gone back to its roots, and the Buckeyes will hope to continue that trend going forward.
