4-star Shooting Guard Austin Grandstaff Set to Bring Lights-Out Shooting to Ohio State

The 2015-16 Ohio State Buckeyes will hit the court this season with three top-100 recruits from the 2015 class. On paper, it's a very solid class that equates to the 11th-ranked recruiting class, per 247Sports. For many freshmen across the country, the 2015 season will be an immediate stepping stone to their collegiate careers - whether they're ready or not.

With the Buckeyes looking to replace D'Angelo Russell, Sam Thompson and Shannon Scott, there will be ample amounts of playing time ready to be claimed potentially by true freshmen. For Rockwall, Texas native Austin Grandstaff, the opportunity to leave his imprint on the 2015 season will be within reach due to his offensive capabilities.

Scouting Report

When breaking down Grandstaff's game, his spot up shooting stands out above all other facets of his game. Grandstaff was labeled as a premier spot up shooter at the NBPA top-100 camp in June 2014, per Jonathan Hemingway of Peach State Basketball. With a solid handle and good height for the off guard position, Grandstaff uses a hesitation dribble that allows him to set up momentum for his high elevating jump shot.

Grandstaff's ball-handling skills allow him to become a versatile offensive threat, as he's more than capable of attacking the rim and finishing in traffic. The most effective move in the Texan's arsenal is a powerful spin move that allows him to split double teams and get into the paint with ease. Grandstaff isn't an above the rim type of player, but uses his body well and positions himself well to create scoring opportunities for himself or for others.

Areas for Improvement

At only 188 pounds, Grandstaff's slight build will be a cause for concern when defending opposing shooting guards. With the lack of quickness to defend point guards, and the slight frame to guard bigger two guards, the expectation for Grandstaff to contribute consistently on defense is quite marginalized.

For as much of a shooter Grandstaff is, he has a propensity of initiating his offense primarily on his shot making abilities. Whether he starts games or not, Grandstaff will look to shoot first and foremost and if he's not seeing positive results, defenses could hone in on him and make him put the ball on the floor, causing him to be one dimensional.

When driving to the rim, ambidexterity is something that clearly needs to be worked on. Grandstaff will create for himself off the dribble, but will often times finish with his right hand when driving left. Against savvy, athletic defenders in the collegiate ranks, those shots will often end up blocked or rushed. Grandstaff will need to learn to finish comfortable with either hand in order to fully maximize his scoring capabilities.

Player Outlook

It's unclear if Grandstaff will start for the Buckeyes in 2015, but opportunities to make significant contributions will not be hard to come by with the mass exodus of wing players from a season ago. Playing alongside point guard JaQuan Lyle will allow him to camp out on the perimeter and set up for spot up jump shots which is his specialty. His development will depend on whether or not he can successfully penetrate at the college level and bulk up enough to where he can finish through contact with regularity.