Koufos ends his recruitment

Kosta Koufos did what everyone thought he was going to do. The 7-footer from Canton (Ohio) GlenOak High School verbally committed to Ohio State after making a visit to the Big Ten school last week.

Koufos, the No. 12 ranked player in the class of 2007, has been a major target for Thad Matta and Ohio State over the last two years. While Koufos never publicly admitted OSU was high on his list, he made no secrets that the Buckeyes would be a player for his commitment.

The process came to a close after an unofficial visit to Columbus on Thursday and Friday last week.

"I went to the coaches and told the whole staff up front that this was the place where I wanted to go to school," Koufos said. "I felt at home there. It's only two hours from home and Columbus has everything you could possibly want. Like I said, it just felt like home to me."

The 7-foot-1, 245-pound big man is the center piece of three talented lane cloggers to pick Ohio State. Greg Oden, the nation's top prep player in the class of 2006, will be in Columbus in fall 2006. Matta and his staff locked up B.J. Mullens, a talented 2008 center prospect, nearly two years ago.

"I'm happy for Greg in whatever he wants to do. I am sure he will be ready after one year but if he wants to stay for another year, that will be one heck of a party," Koufos said.

Koufus put his junior season on pause due to a foot injury that sidelined him for two months. During the time away, Koufos added weight and changed his game inside the post. He made his debut at the King James Shooting Stars Classic in Akron and used his bigger body to muscle players around the basket all the while showing off his trademark shooting touch.

Dan Peters served as Koufos's lead recruiter and the seasoned assistant made an impression with the rising senior.

"I felt like he was the person that would take me under his wing and look out for me," Koufos said.

Koufos said he also considered Akron, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan and others. Koufos's AAU coach Brian Bachman said the five-star big man will be able to attract other Ohio are players, including Delvon Roe, a talented 2008 prospect.

"(OSU) just offered Delvon," Bachman said. "He and Kosta are real close. When we go on the road, they always share a room and like playing together. I'm interested in seeing where that may go."