With the possible departure of Kosta Koufos to the NBA draft and with PF Othello Hunter graduating at the end of the quarter, the Ohio State Buckeyes have extended a scholarship offer to Southwestern Illinois F/C Josh Harrellson.

Harrellson is a 6′9″ big man who went to Southwestern Illinois from St. Charles High School in St. Louis where he averaged 18.5 points 10.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game as a senior. He originally signed a letter of intent to play at Western Illinois, but after family issues and a problem with the head coach Harrellson decided to back out and play at the JUCO level. He was not released from his letter of intent with WIU until the beginning of April and now has received interest from many top programs in the nation after averaging 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for Southwestern Illinois.

The programs other than OSU that are looking at Harrellson are Indiana, Oklahoma State, Washington, Kentucky, St. Louis, Iowa, Purdue, Missouri, and Iowa State. It appears that Harrellson will make five official visits with two of those being promised to Kentucky and St. Louis. Indiana and Ohio State are almost certain to be in the mix for visits as well, as new IU head coach Tom Crean was recruiting Harrellson at Marquette before his arrival in Bloomington and OSU coach Thad Matta has a connection with Southwestern Illinois coach, Jay Harrington, through former Xavier and Virginia head coach Pete Gillen.

Look for more from DTI on a Harrellson update as this could be a huge addition to the Buckeyes Hoops Recruitig Class of 2008. Also, be sure to check out our pictures taken from Madison Square Garden at the NIT Championship game which will be posted shortly.