Next season, the competition among Ohio State's wing players will lead to some creative minute allocation decisions by head coach Thad Matta.
For example, Matta will have to weigh the potential of the incoming class against a strong core of returning players. Current freshmen Jae'Sean Tate, Keita Bates-Diop and Kam Williams will be prominent members next year's rotation. Sophomore Marc Loving will be too, if he ever regains "his privilege to wear the Scarlet and Gray." They'll eventually compete against the hungry 2015 class, which includes Austin Grandstaff, Mickey Mitchell and newest commit JaQuan Lyle.
With millions of guaranteed dollars awaiting D'Angelo Russell if he enters the NBA Draft, few expect him to return. So, the easiest way – in theory – for any future Buckeye swing guard or forward to stand out is proving he's capable of running the offense.
Signee A.J. Harris will be the only "true point guard" on next year's roster, barring another addition. In November, Matta said Mitchell is also capable of playing the lead guard role.
The only one who may come close to replicating Russell's skill set, however, is Lyle. Both stand 6-feet, 5-inches tall, an inherent advantage when reading defenses.
Lyle's prep school head coach, IMG Academy's John Mahoney, praised Lyle's penchant to create for others.
"He has exceptional court vision," Mahoney told Eleven Warriors. "He is a very good passer."
While they are in similar stature, Lyle has a significant edge on Russell strength-wise. 247Sports lists Lyle at 220 pounds and he tosses that weight around more like current Buckeye Tate does.
"JaQuan is a big, tough, physical lead guard," Mahoney said. "He can score in bunches by attacking the basket."
Lyle consistently uses his strength to finish around the basket, as displayed in the same video from above. It's also an attribute which translates well to the defensive end.
"When he wants to he can defend," Mahoney said. "Anticipates and reads very well. The bigger the game, the better he plays."
Lyle has shown flashes of perimeter shooting abilities, but it's one area of expected drop off if he does replace Russell in next year's starting lineup.
"He needs to work on his perimeter jump shot," Mahoney said. "He is inconsistent from behind the arc."
With that said, it would be unwise to give him too much space. Lyle is confident with his pull-up jumper:
Every player has to make adjustments to succeed in the college game, particularly in the mental and off-court aspects. Some have physical issues because of opponents' speed and size.
Lyle's strength and basketball IQ can help ease any sort of physical problems. The extra year of high-level basketball training – after three years at Bosse (Evansville, Indiana) and one at Huntington Prep – will prepare him mentally, more than anything.
In addition to Mahoney, IMG Academy's staff includes director Kenny Natt, a former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant and Sacramento Kings head coach. So, Lyle is surrounded by experienced basketball minds.
According to Mahoney, Lyle is committed to learning the intricacies of the game and will be ready to play freshman year.
"I worked for John Beilein at Michigan and West Virginia. The offense is very tough to pick up," he said. "JaQuan had no problem. He has a very high IQ, has suggested several adjustments many times. Very smart. Won't be a problem. I would be shocked if he didn't start and make an impact."
