Until July, college basketball coaches will continue to face heavy travel restrictions when attempting to evaluate recruits.
It's still a quiet period, meaning schools can host prospects for visits but coaches are prohibited from making in-home visits or traveling to see recruits play. The only contact allowed outside of campus is via text, social media, email or mail. For now, the rule only applies to uncommitted members of the 2015 class or the rising senior class of 2016.
That will change, Monday, when coaches are allowed to reach out to recruits in the 2017 class. It truly signals the beginning of a hectic process for would-be high school juniors.
With that in mind, here are some 2017 recruits the Buckeye coaching staff already offered:
Gray Trent Jr.
I've covered Ohio State's pursuit of Trent Jr. extensively, from assistant Jeff Boals attending a workout to just last week, when Trent Jr. made the Team USA U16 squad.
Considering his pure scoring ability, it's no surprise he may be OSU's top target in his class. Trent Jr. led the EYBL by scoring 22.1 points per game and shot nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.
While his Howard Pulley squad did not qualify the Peach Jam, it does not take away from his fantastic individual effort. He was the breakout star on the circuit.
According to ESPN.com's scouting report, his offensive repertoire is more diverse than just being a high-volume shooter.
"He is a unselfish player that is an excellent passer," it says. "He knows how to keep the ball moving with his excellent feel for the game."
Zach Brown
Before knowing the scholarship situation for 2017, the Buckeyes offered Brown in December. Since then, Trent Jr. emerged and OSU added three commits – JaQuan Lyle, Derek Funderburk Jr. and Micah Potter.
Brown might not have a scholarship available to him by next year. Ohio State has limited roster flexibility going forward, but any team could use a big man as powerful as him.
"Brown is an imposing physical presence," according to ESPN.com's scouting report. "He battles to establish deep post position, passes well out of a double team, already knows how to kick and repost, always keeps the ball high, and finishes with dunks whenever possible."
Chris Giles
Mickey Mitchell's former high school teammate is the only other player to receive an offer in the 2017 class, thus far.
The four-star guard is highly regarded due to his defensive prowess. Plano West is loaded with Division I talent – besides Mitchell, most of the team is headed to Texas A&M – so Giles will truly get a chance to shine in his final two seasons.
If Ohio State continues to pursue Giles, Mitchell's presence gives the Buckeyes an edge.
"It probably helps Ohio State a lot," Giles told Cleveland.com "Someone like Mickey, I'm personally close to him, so he can call me, text me whenever to tell me whatever he wants about Ohio State, so that's good for them."
King Commits, Potter Highlights
- Former St. Vincent-St.Mary wing and one-time Ohio State target V.J. King is headed to Louisville, via his Instagram. The five-star, 2016 recruit currently attends Paul VI in Fairfax, Virginia and eliminated OSU from his list in April.
- A new highlight reel emerged on YouTube, featuring Buckeye commit Micah Potter and his Ohio Basketball Club AAU team:
