Aaron Craft said he rescinded his commitment to Tennessee two weeks ago to stay closer to home, and Ohio State University certainly qualifies as that.
Craft, from Findlay, Ohio, has made a verbal commitment to play for the Buckeyes men’s basketball program after he graduates in the Class of 2010.
“For most kids growing up in Ohio, it’s a dream to play at Ohio State,’’ said Steve Williman, Craft’s coach at Liberty-Benton High. “Aaron had an opportunity to visit their campus and talk to Coach (Thad) Matta and his staff, and it was something that sold itself.’’
Craft’s verbal commitment to UT last September helped him sell himself, too. The 6-foot-1 combination guard led Liberty-Benton in scoring (19.5 points per game), rebounding average (six per game), assists (six per game) and steals (2.5 per game) last season.
But prior to making a verbal commitment to the Vols, Craft was a virtual unknown.
Things have changed since: Craft was invited and attended Adidas Nation camp and NBA camp, leading to his elevation in the Rivals.com rankings to No. 70 in the Class of 2010.
Ohio State’s situation has changed the past year, too.
The Buckeyes have received verbal commitments from two of Craft’s highly-rated AAU teammates, Jared Sullinger (No. 3 overall in the class of 2010) and Jordan Sibert (No. 30 overall in 2010).
And, Ohio State needs a point guard for the future after Anthony Crater transferred in the middle of last season to South Florida.
Williman said Craft was sold on the Vols when he committed and had a hard time calling UT coach Bruce Pearl to tell him he changed his mind.
“I knew it would be a tough call for Aaron, because he really liked Coach Pearl and Tennessee,’’ Williman said. “Originally, they were looking at a three-hour radius (to Findlay), but then Coach Pearl gave him that opportunity to play at a high level.
“As we got farther into the process and closer to graduation, he started thinking about opportunities for his family and friends to have the chance to watch him play.’’
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 24
tnbud62#231266 (Inactive) writes:
1st at wishing him the best in whatever he chooses!
1stPoliceJustSayNoToPosting1st writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
golfballs03 writes:
Craft is a _____
ZR writes:
Most everyone knew this when he decommitted from UT. When are we going to beat Ohio State?
LiveToRide writes:
Good luck, kid.
eduardo writes:
And what is your passion a 5-7 football team?????????
foosballer writes:
Umm...when did we ever lose to Ohio State?
andy112382#209793 writes:
A bad season (or two) won't take away much from a historically powerful football team, heck the year before we were playing for the SEC title and we have a new coaching staff and a whole new energy level...CAN'T WAIT FOR FOOTBALL SEASON!!!
Go Vols!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Kinda awaiting on us to resurrect the habits of losing to mighty Wyomings afore I can mull "losing" what we never had in B Ball.
bigorange61 writes:
Good luck young man. You've probably made a wise choice.
bigorange61 writes:
This young man is also a D-1 quarterback prospect.
razin55#340688 writes:
I do
salocke#209467 writes:
We will beat OSU when we learn how to make free throws.
lovinwk writes:
Yep! Next question?
jdcvols#230433 writes:
Like I posted before, the parents got concerned about the academics and direction. Only one Pearl recruit has graduated and he has run off/let go too many players. We took a step backward last year and it is costing us. This kid is a great football player as well but really BB is his passion.
TDTN writes:
Ohio State beat us twice in the same season recently. I think it was Chris Lofton's junior year. We made a furious comeback in Columbus but Lofton missed freethrows with a few seconds left that would have won the game. OSU nailed a 3 pointer at the buzzer for the win. Then we gave up a 20 point lead and lost inthe NCAA tourney that same season to the Buckeyes. We then beat them at home Loftons senior season.
We will be playing the Buckeyes in football coming up in about 5 years. I think it is the 2013 season that we play them and then again the next season.
volunteers4life writes:
Good luck kid! Hope we beat you next time we see each other!!
BasketVols writes:
BasketVols does. Go file a shady class action suit to further fleece American small businesses if you're bored with this article, lawyervol!
BasketVols writes:
Good stuff, Marcus. Do you have any info on which "bigs" Bruce is targeting for 2010? I realize he is focusing on guard play first, as he should.
BasketVols writes:
That was a classy thing to say, CatScratch. We have signed some quality guards for 2010, already.
Ironcity writes:
Dumb comment Pearl has been to UT 4 yrs now and his first recruit has graduated. He can't be held accountable for nor would he be held accountable for Petersons recruits.
Sovol writes:
When we or any other SEC school plays them in football.
allvol9 writes:
Good luck young man. Can't blame anyone for wanting to play close to home for family and friends to watch.
shoalcreekvol writes:
Do you have anything to back up your claim?
Seems logical, but you wrote it as fact and I'm just wondering where you got your info.
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