Ross pops for Big Ten
The Ohio State Buckeyes are working overtime to secure commitments in the 2011 class. Rarely does a team from the Big Ten go down to the Deep South to secure a prospect, but they did just that for talented wing LaQuinton Ross.
At 6-foot-8 with a long wing span and unique perimeter skills, Ross has been one of the most talked about players in his class for some time. From seemingly the moment he entered high school Ross has been in the spotlight for his game.
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With that Ross garnered offers from Baylor, Memphis, West Virginia, Mississippi State, NC State, Syracuse and others, but in the end he decided to head north and play for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
"It came down to Ohio State, West Virginia, and Baylor," said Ross of his decision.
"I got real close with Coach Matta and the whole coaching staff up there," explained Ross. "I like what they did with Evan Turner, and that was a big reason why I committed."
The way OSU uses wings like Turner who have length and skill is what put the Buckeyes over the top against Baylor and West Virginia.
"Ohio State just has big guards," said Ross. "They have (David) Lighty this year and had Evan Turner last year. I just really liked their style of play."
Though for most this commitment came out of nowhere, Ross says that the Buckeyes have been on him a long time.
"I talked to Ohio State when I was real young, like when I was in eighth grade when I was at LeBron, and they got back on me about a year and a half ago, so they have been there for a while," said Ross.
In fact even though he grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, Ross says he has followed Ohio State for a long time.
"When I was young I was an Ohio State football fan, and as I got older I began watching the basketball program," said Ross. "I haven't taken a visit up there yet, but I will once my school year starts."
Currently Ross is rated as the No. 60 prospect in the 2011 class, and is the No. 14 small forward. Ross joins four-star point guard Shannon Scott as a commitment for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is looking to add at least one or two more players to fill out their class.