Hoops Recruiting: Prospects Converge on Columbus, Kris Wilkes Drops Ohio State and more

By Zach Fleer on August 18, 2016 at 4:10 pm
2018 Pickerington North SF Jerome Hunter
2018 Pickerington North SF Jerome Hunter
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Coach Vic's Weekly Showcase has been around for eight years, and in it's time, the event has hosted some of the state's finest prospects. From big-time players such as Jared Sullinger, Trey Burke, Jack Gibbs and more, the event, which is held each Sunday in Reynoldsburg, is looking to be better than ever this fall.

The third week of Coach Vic's tips off this Sunday at noon, with several big-time Ohio State prospects slated to partake in the action. Last week, Michigan target Jerome Hunter was the star of the day, attacking from all areas on the floor in an impressive showing. Let's take a look at some of the prospects that will be participating this week.


2017 6'10 C Kaleb Wesson - Westerville South - OSU commit

The wide-bodied Wesson has been a force this fall, as his incredible weight loss has helped him in all areas of his game. Wesson has been a mainstay of the event for the last two years, hardly missing a session.

2018 6'3 PG Dwayne Cohill - Parma Heights Holy Name: OSU offer

Cohill, regarded by many to be the top guard in the state in 2018, is coming back down to Columbus after playing in the event a year ago. Cohill will be the first guard from the Cleveland area to play in the event this fall.

2018 6'8 SF Darius Bazley - Cincinnati Princeton - OSU offer

Bazley is back for a second-straight week after an impressive showing last week. The lengthy 6-foot-8 wing guard impressed with his elite-level athleticism and fluidity. While Bazley's upside is through the roof, we are excited to see what he brings to the court on Sunday.

2018 6'7 SF Jerome Hunter - Pickerington North - UM, WVU offers, OSU interest

Hunter has been one of the state's best overall players since the early spring, as the lengthy 6-foot-7 wing has played with reckless abandon. While in the past, Hunter's motor was an issue at times, that has not been the case at all for the last several months, as not many have played harder than him. Hunter received an offer from Michigan while on an unofficial visit last Friday.

2018 6'5 SF Justin Ahrens - Versailles - 5 offers, OSU interest

Ahrens' older brother, Kyle, plays at Michigan State, and some think Justin may just end up being the better prospect. With impressive length and athleticism, Ahrens is just one big offer away from seeing his recruitment explode. Former Ohio State assistant coach and current Stony Brook head coach Jeff Boals was the first to offer Ahrens this summer.

2018 6'9 PF Mark Mayle - Malvern - Kent State, Toledo offers

Mayle may not be a widely known name on the recruiting front for now, but we don't expect that to last for long. With a long frame and high energy level, Mayle plays with the type of motor and fearlessness that has caught the eye of scouts and coaches alike in the region. Don't forget his name.

2019 6'3 PG Jeremiah Francis - Pickerington Central - WVU, TCU offers, OSU interest

There are not many sophomore guards in the country that we would take over Francis. A bruising 6-foot-3 point guard that is built more like a power running back, Francis gets it done on both ends of the floor, and received his biggest offer yet earlier this week from West Virginia, while TCU offered on Wednesday night. Ohio State could come next.

2019 6'9 PF Taylor Currie - Worthington Christian - OSU interest

Currie is still developing as a prospect, but is a player that Ohio State has had on its radar for some time. Visiting campus a few times already, Currie is an ideal stretch four that can knock down perimeter shots, while having the toughness and willingness to battle inside. Another name to keep an eye on.

6'5 Frosh SG Ibi Watson - University of Michigan 

Current Michigan freshman and Pickerington Central graduate Watson is scheduled to return to the event on Sunday. An athletic swing man that was one of the state's top seniors a year ago, Watson is the first high-major college player to play in the event this year.

You can check out last week's highlights, which include several of the aforementioned prospects, below.

News and Notes
  • 2017 five-star wing Kris Wilkes officially dropped Ohio State out of the race for his services. Releasing his top five via Twitter, Wilkes is now only considering Illinois, Indiana, UCLA, UConn and Xavier. 
  • Former Ohio State target Jordan Goodwin, one of the Buckeyes' earlier wing guard options in 2017, committed to hometown St. Louis last Friday. Goodwin, ranked as a four-star prospect, received an offer from Ohio State near the end of May.
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