After adding JaQuan Lyle to the 2015 class, the Buckeyes currently only have one scholarship available for next year's team.
D'Angelo Russell's departure would free up an extra scholarship. As a potential top five pick in this year's NBA Draft, it would be a surprise if he stays in Columbus.
College basketball's regular signing period is two months away, and even if Russell stays, it will be difficult for Ohio State to add another incoming freshman to the roster. Expect them to go into next season with an extra scholarship to roll over to the 2016 class.
After next season is when the math gets tricky. Amedeo Della Valle was the only member of the 2012 recruiting class and, obviously, he's no longer with the Buckeyes – he is splashing threes for his Italian pro club, however. That means there are no juniors on OSU's roster and no easy way to free up more scholarships after next season.
Thad Matta could have as many as three scholarships for the 2016 class. At the moment, he only has two. Barring some significant, unforeseen roster turnover, a third-straight class with five recruits is unlikely.
So, going forward, the coaching staff will have to keep an eye on tight scholarship numbers. They'll have to juggle the opportunity for another graduate transfer – as was the case with Anthony Lee – or make a late push for a 2015 recruit, assuming they still want to add to next year's team.
Iverson Visits for Penn State GAme
UPDATE: Khalil Iverson committed to Wisconsin on his official visit this afternoon
One reason to believe Ohio State may not be done adding to this year's five-man recruiting class is because of a recent visitor.
Delaware, Ohio native Khalil Iverson took in Wednesday night's action at Value City Arena, an unofficial visit for the 2015 recruit. The Hayes High School product is a composite three-star and the No. 11 ranked prospect among Ohio seniors, according to 247Sports.
Don't let those rankings fool you, however. Iverson has offers from Wisconsin and Tennessee. Tom Crean visited Delaware to watch him practice in October.
Ohio State has not extended an offer yet, but they are interested in him despite the expected wing depth over the next few seasons. If the Buckeyes ultimately offer Iverson and he commits, he'll have to battle Keita Bates-Diop, Marc Loving, Jae'Sean Tate, Kam Williams, Austin Grandstaff, A.J. Harris and JaQuan Lyle for playing time.
At the same time, Iverson has a skill set worth investing a scholarship in. He is versatile, capable of defending multiple positions and can play point guard in a pinch, as he's doing now for his high school squad. At 205 pounds and possessing a 6-foot-10-inch wingspan, Iverson's defensive potential is probably what interests Matta the most.
This certainly isn't turning away college coaches:
Giles Trims List to Eight
The top recruit in the 2016 class is still considering Ohio State.
Harry Giles, No. 1 in 247Sports' Composite rankings, released his top eight schools via Twitter, Monday:
Top 8 Schools No order Duke Kentucky Kansas Syracuse UNC Wake Forest Ohio St UNLV
— Harry Giles (@TheReal_HG3) February 10, 2015
The High Point, North Carolina native suffered a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus playing for Team USA in 2013. He returned to the court for his AAU team this past summer.
"[The Buckeyes] have had some successful bigs in the past (Jared Sullinger, Greg Oden), and they have been successful in recent years," Giles told ESPN.com. "[Associate head coach Dave Dickerson] has been on me since my freshman year, and that means a lot to me. I like the way they play."
OSU After Two Other Elite 2016 Prospects
It will be difficult to steal Giles out of his home state, but he's the ideal candidate to boost the Buckeye front line.
As far as the back court goes, two highly-ranked recruits with Ohio State offers include point guard Kobi Simmons and versatile wing Tyus Battle. Matta and his staff have spent significant time in Georgia and New Jersey, respectively, scouting those two.
Battle spent Sunday night watching the Buckeyes:
2016 G @kidmamba23 Tyus Battle is also at Rutgers-Ohio State. Considering Buckeyes w/ UK, Duke, Cuse, Michigan, others
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) February 8, 2015
Simmons, meanwhile, isn't rushing anything with his recruitment.
"I will probably not cut my list down until sometime during my senior year," Simmons told ESPN.com, "and be a late signee as of right now."
