While many Buckeye fans are excited about the incoming McDonald’s All-Americans, BJ Mullens and William Buford, there are four other players that make up the 2008 Ohio State Basketball recruiting class. Those players are Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH) PG Anthony Crater, Mott College (Flint, MI) G Jeremie Simmons, Eastern Arizona (Thatcher, AZ) F Nikola Kecman, and Warren Central (Indianapolis, IN) G Walter Offutt. Dotting The “I” will preview all four of these “unknowns” to you in a series we will call ‘Prospect Preview’, and today it starts with Walter Offutt.
Walter Offutt stands at 6′3″ 180-pounds, and is athletic enough as to where he can play both point guard and shooting guard. He’s had some knee problems that have slowed him down during his high school career, including two injuries to ACLs (one on each knee), one of those (right), that ended his senior season at Warren Central. Offut’s rehab has gone well though, and is fully expected to be on the floor when the Buckeyes open up their 2008-2009 season. Despite all of his injuries, Offutt is still considered one of the top players in the class of 2008, as he is ranked the 29th best SG by Scout, the 25th best SG and 99th best overall player by Rivals, and is rated the 21st ranked SG and given a 86 scouts grade by ESPN/Bucknuts. Offutt was offered a scholarship by Ohio State before his sophomore season and chose the Buckeyes soon after, despite receiving interest from in-state Indiana and Purdue.
Coincidentally enough, Offutt tore the ACL on his left knee shortly after committing to the Buckeyes in June, before his sophomore season, and did not return to the floor until late January. In his junior season, Offutt proved to be a top talent in the country, as he averaged 17.6 points per game for Warren Central. Big things were expected of Walter in his senior year, as he was sure to shoot up the recruiting rankings at the guard position (initially ranked 12th best overall in class before injuries), but the right ACL injury in early December put a damper on his final season of high school.
Despite Buckeye fans’ concerns about his knee, Offutt plans to have a big impact at OSU during his freshman year. He is expected to back up either Crater or PJ Hill (or maybe Evan Turner?) at point guard this year and is expected to add energy off the bench at the shooting guard position. His pure athleticism should be enough for him to be a successful player at the college level, but Offutt’s court vision, ability to shoot the ball, passing skills, and excellent defensive prowess make him the total package. The future is bright for Offutt as Ohio State. The only question that remains—Can he stay healthy?
5 users commented in " Prospect Preview: Walter Offutt "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackOffutt needs to stay healthy but I think this kid is gonna be good…combo guard who is reminding me a little bit of monta ellis from what I am reading…Dotting The I- Great Job…this is my favorite buckeye site and you guys continue to do awesome
go bucks
There is a David that writes for the lantern as well in sports. Is that the same David in here? That would be cool
While were on a basketball note:
Jamar Butler and Othello Hunter were both picked up by NBA teams for Summer Leagues.
Butler will be playing for the Nets in Orlando while Hunter will be playing for the Hornets in Vegas and after that for the Hawks in Denver.
Kosta Koufos was drafted 23rd overall by the Jazz and will be playing in Denver for their Summer League team.
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Excellent post…A healthy Offut would be a great thing…If nothing else, it’s more depth on the already cluttered perimeter allowing this season’s Bucks to press and create an up tempo game to help offset the lack of inside depth.
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