With only one senior one the roster, Thad Matta said his 2017 recruiting class was always going to be small.
Ohio State’s head coach got a pair of guys he wanted to plug some holes on the roster, and the Buckeyes’ head coach was able to discuss the additions of Kaleb Wesson and Braxton Beverly on Wednesday for the first time as both inked their National Letters of Intent to Ohio State during college basketball’s early signing period.
“We’re very excited with the two guys we’ve got coming in,” Matta said.
Wesson, a four-star center out of nearby Westerville South High School, is the younger brother of current Ohio State freshman Andre Wesson. He is listed at 6-foot-9 and 280 pounds and is the Buckeyes’ big man of the future. Wesson is ranked as the No. 7 center in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite ratings, and is the No. 78-ranked overall player.
“Kaleb Wesson, you guys are very familiar with him. I’m elated to have him,” Matta said. “I think that he is a big-time post player. You look at his skill level and he’s as skilled as anybody that I’ve seen in a long time with his hands, his feet, he steps out and shoots, he’s an unbelievable passer out of the post and he’s a winner.
“The job that [Westerville South coach Ed Calo] has done with him, watching him and recruiting Andre and Kaleb, that kid is getting coached every day so we’re excited for that.”
Beverly was a late addition to Ohio State’s class, committing to the Buckeyes on Oct. 10 after a visit. A point guard, Beverly is listed at 6-foot and 180 pounds and Matta said he comes to Columbus with the reputation as a big-time scorer.
“Braxton, he’s one of those guys that when he gets off the bus you better guard him. He can flat out shoot the basketball,” Matta said. “His ability to play off pick-and-roll, he’s an unbelievable passer. He’s got the effect that if you don’t go over he will step behind and shoot it. He’s an ultra-competitive kid, great kid.”
Matta said Ohio State is “probably” done with recruiting in 2017, but things are obviously flexible based on potential post-season attrition. The Buckeyes added two players in the spring last year — Andre Wesson and C.J. Jackson — after they had three players transfer out of the program.
