In DTI’s series, Prospect Preview, we take a look at the incoming recruits that will be playing for the 2008-2009 basketball team. We already gave you the inside scoop about Walter Offutt and Anthony Crater and in part 3 of the series, we will give you a little insight about Mott College (Flint, MI) combo-guard, Jeremie Simmons.

Jeremie Simmons, a Chicago native, will be transferring to Ohio State with two years of eligibility remaining, after playing his first two years at Mott College. Simmons, who stands at 6′2″, was named the NJCAA Division II Player of the Year this past season, while averaging 21 points and 5 assists per game for Mott. While some people pencil him in as a shooting guard, Simmons ability to handle the ball makes him a viable option at the point guard spot as well, where only PJ Hill returns from last season’s team. Simmons chose the Buckeyes over various other teams, such as Dayton, Butler, Alabama, South Florida, and others.

When looking at what Jeremie Simmons can bring to the table in Columbus for the 2008-2009 season, you have to think the sky is the limit. I look at Simmons to be the dark horse of this recruiting class, and have an impact much like Je’Kel Foster did for the Buckeyes from 2004-2006. Like Foster, Simmons has a natural ability to take the ball to the hoop and score, and training with the OSU coaching staff can only improve his mid-range and perimeter game. One of the toughest transitions for a player coming from the junior college level to Division I basketball is the speed of the game and the intensity on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the Big Ten. Simmons will certainly have to make an adjustment to his game in those aspects, but once again, working with Thad Matta makes the transition that much easier.

Many Buckeye fans feel Matta is just taking players like Hill, Simmons, and fellow classmate Nikola Kecman to temporarily fill holes on his roster, but that is not the case. Matta would not be taking players like Jeremie Simmons if they did not deserve to be a Buckeye. There were plenty of other high school seniors in Ohio and across the country that the Buckeyes could have offered instead of the two incoming transfers, but Matta decided to go with Simmons and Kecman for a reason. Expect big contributions out of both players this season, as I think they will play a big role in Ohio State’s success on the hardwood this year.

Stay tuned for DTI’s Part 4 of the series Prospect Preview, as Eastern Arizona big man, Nikola Kecman, will be looked at. We will tell you how he got to Ohio State, a bump in the road he continues to face while getting to Columbus, what he can contribute this year, and much more. Have a great day and GO BUCKS!

Photos from The Flint Journal via mlive