It's the middle of the early signing period for the class of 2013. On Sunday, Ohio State is celebrating the pickup of a guy that won't be able to sign until next November.

Rumors had been swirling that Keita Bates-Diop might make an early decision. Sure enough, the No. 20 player in the class of 2014 made a verbal commitment to Thad Matta and the Buckeyes.

A 6-foot-7 small forward at Normal (Ill.) Community, Bates-Diop's commitment was confirmed by his summer coach Mike Mullins of the Illinois Wolves.

"Keita Bates-Diop has chosen to accept scholarship offer from Ohio State and head coach Thad Matta," Mullins texted Rivals.com.

Long and versatile, Bates-Diop is an already solid performer who has plenty of potential. He's a very dangerous corner jump shooter, can attack off the dribble and is a very good defender, particularly from the help side where he loves to come over and block shots.

Currently a four-star prospect, Bates-Diop is the Buckeyes first commitment from the class of 2014.