Why Talented Guard Ricardo Billings Chose Ohio St

Ricardo Billings, a 6-3, 190 pound slasher from Rogers Academy in Detroit, Mich., committed to Ohio State this past weekend. Billings told us the reason why he chose Ohio State was:

"I wanted to go there since I was young and they started recruiting me early," Billings said. "I like the facility, the dorms, and academics."

Billings also said he came down to Michigan State and Ohio State but also considered Michigan, Iowa, and Boston College at one point in his recruiting process. "They (Ohio State staff) made it really clear they wanted," Billings said. "Michigan State really wanted me too. But me and my friend wanted to go there since the ninth grade and wanted to be the next Michael Redd."

Billings, who was a major cog in The Family's Elite Eight run at the 17 and under Memorial Day Classic in Bloomington, Indiana, averaged 17.6 points per game in five contests, including a 14 point effort in the Family's 66-56 overtime loss to Riverside Church.

Simply put, Billings knows how to get to the tin and draw contact. He is a master of the acrobatic circus finish, and is extremely difficult to guard off the dribble. "I would like to work on my jumper," Billings said. "I would also like to work on my defense too. It's not bad. But it can always improve that."

Billings averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals per game as a junior at Rogers Academy. He said he has a 3.0 GPA.

"I can help them right away," Billings said. "I think I will be able to step in and give Ohio State some good minutes. I am really looking forward to it."