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Jeff Borzello
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ESPN Author- Basketball Recruiting Insider.
- With ESPN since 2014.
- Graduated from the University of Delaware.
Paul Biancardi
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Basketball Recruitment- National Recruitment Director for ESPN.com
- 18 years coaching experience at Division I level
- Former Horizon League Coach of the Year at Wright State
ESPN Author
Basketball RecruitmentFive-star senior Scotty Middleton committed to Ohio State Sunday, becoming the first five-star recruit of the Chris Holtmann era and the Buckeyes’ highest-ranking recruit in nine years.
Middleton picked the Buckeyes over the bottom three, which included Seton Hall and UConn.
“[It was] really everything,” Middleton told ESPN. “The coaching staff, the fans and the culture that the state of Ohio has. How the players and coaches carry themselves. Being at Ohio State will make me a better basketball player, but more importantly, a better person.”
Middleton made his official visit to Ohio State back in March and made trips to Seton Hall and UConn in June. But he said the Buckeyes’ family aspect was a key factor in his decision, as was his relationship with Ohio State head coach Holtmann.
“Coach Holtmann was honest throughout the process and never told me what I wanted to hear or backed down from anything,” Middleton said. “I just see how he treats his players in good and bad situations. I know I can trust him even when I’m struggling or even when I’m playing well.”
Middleton, a 6-foot-6 short forward from Miami who attends Sunrise Christian Academy (Kansas), is ranked No. 18 on the ESPN 100 for 2023. He averaged 10.0 points and 3.3 rebounds this spring and summer on the Nike EYBL track, but showed his best during the Nike Peach Jam in July. He has at least 18 points in three of his last four games, including 19 points and eight rebounds in a win over Expressions Elite.
Middleton is a long-framed winger who plays with effort at both ends of the floor. He’s one of the best full-backs in his class, both on and off the ball, and he does an excellent job of staying in front of the ball and making saves. His one-on-one side speed is impressive, allowing him to block and switch shots. On the help side, he covers the ground with mobility and speed.
Offensively he is at his best as a slasher and cutter with 3 point shooting ability.
“Scotty is one of the most competitive players I’ve coached,” said Sunrise coach Luke Barnwell. “He has a high basketball IQ and is an elite defender on the ball. He has worked to become an efficient shooter and goalscorer.”
Middleton becomes Ohio State’s highest-ranking recruit since D’Angelo Russell signed with the Buckeyes in the Class of 2014. He’s also Ohio State’s first five-star conscript since Holtmann was hired in 2017 — though the Buckeyes still managed to land a top-10 grade for the upcoming collegiate season.
He gives Ohio State four ESPN 100 recruits in the class of 2023, tying Duke and Kentucky to most in the country. Middleton joins guard George Washington III and frontcourt prospects Devin Royal and Austin Parks. Royal signed for the Buckeyes last week – and Middleton is looking forward to playing with the Ohio native.
“I think our games will be great together because when you have guys who can play multiple positions and defend multiple positions, our roles will be limitless and our games will definitely complement each other,” he said.