2017 5-Star Guard Troy Brown Lists Ohio State Buckeyes In Top Eight

The Ohio State Buckeyes have found themselves still in contention for one of the nation's top prospects in the 2017 recruiting class. On July 28, guard Troy Brown Jr. officially reduced his list of schools to eight via his Twitter while also thanking various others schools in the process for recruiting him:

I would like to thank all the schools that have taken time to recruit me but I will officially cut my list to 8 pic.twitter.com/MNMeuJW4kN

— TroyBrownJr (@Troy_Brown33) July 28, 2016

Including the Buckeyes, rounding out the list of eight above are Kansas, Georgetown, University of Oregon, Alabama, University of Arizona, UNLV and University of California, Berkeley. The Las Vegas, Nevada prospect is a 6-foot-6 guard who plays for Centennial High School. According to 247Sports he's a 5-star player who also happens to be ranked as the No.28 prospect in the ESPN 100.

Not only did he cut his list, but again he recently took to his Twitter to display the days he'll be officially visiting some of those schools and it looks like the Buckeyes will be the start of those trips on September 2.

Official Visits:

Ohio St: Sept 2 - 4 ‼️

Alabama: Sept 9 - 10

Oregon: Sept 23 - 25✅

Kansas: Sept 30 - Oct 2

Georgetown: Oct 5 - 7 ❕

— TroyBrownJr (@Troy_Brown33) August 6, 2016

There are some highly notable programs who made his cut and with Ohio State being one of them they have an opportunity to potentially sign him.

Despite the University of California, Berkeley being the favorite to land Brown according to 247Sports crystal ball predictions, which is just as it says, a prediction, anything can happen from now until signing day. If you don't believe this sentiment then just look at Ohio State's roster and see if you can find any of their 2015 signees. You can't because they have all departed, so being the favorite to sign a player doesn't always have the result you want.

With that being said, this is a new era for head coach Thad Matta and being in the running for a player of this caliber is great news.

Brown is extremely versatile and has an expansive all-around game. Being that he's 6-foot-6, he has a uniqueness being able to play multiple positions coupled with the fact he's a true scorer with an innate ability to dribble the ball well and create his own shot would give others more chances to flourish.

A go-to-guy has been something they've lacked since the departure of 2015 No.2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell, despite the obvious concerted efforts of lead guard JaQuan Lyle. Lyle is only one player and to come in following Russell at the point guard position has pressure to it regardless if it's said or unsaid. He's been a stable of consistency for the buckeyes in terms of game-by-game 2-way play, but he needs help and this is what Brown can offer.

After a very tumultuous 2015 season the Buckeyes, like most teams who missed the NCAA Tournament, are looking to redeem themselves and win more games for seasons to come. Signing a prospect like Brown can be a program shifting move, but just being in contention is how to get to the end result.

Well Buckeyes you have your shot.