Eric Boggs
The future of Ohio State basketball just got even brighter. On Wednesday, head coach Jake Diebler officially welcomed two of the state’s most promising young stars into the Buckeye family, as five-star small forward Anthony Thompson and four-star power forward Alex Smith signed their scholarship agreements with Ohio State.
Thompson, ranked No. 8 nationally and the No. 2 small forward in the 247Sports composite, is one of the most electric scorers in the country. The left-handed phenom has built a reputation for his smooth shooting stroke and all-around game, averaging 22 points per contest this summer on the Adidas 3Stripes Circuit while shooting 53% from the floor and 39% from three. He also added nearly two blocks per game, showcasing his defensive instincts and length.
“Anthony is a special player,” Diebler said in Ohio State’s release. “His combination of size, skill, and athleticism gives him unique versatility. Who he is aligns with what our program is all about, and the basketball IQ he has will help him be really impactful right away. Being from Ohio and coming to Ohio State means something to him, and we are excited for Anthony and his family to join ours.”
Thompson’s commitment carries historical weight — he’s the fourth-highest-rated recruit to ever sign with the Buckeyes, trailing only Greg Oden, B.J. Mullens, and Jared Sullinger. That’s elite company, and it signals that Ohio State is once again becoming a premier destination for top-tier basketball talent.
While Thompson brings star power, Alex Smith brings grit, growth, and a deep passion for Ohio State basketball. The four-star power forward has rapidly climbed the national rankings, now listed at No. 145 overall and No. 25 at his position. A year ago, Smith was unranked; now, he’s one of the nation’s most intriguing frontcourt prospects thanks to his work ethic and skill development.
After a standout junior year at Upper Arlington High School — where he averaged 19.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game — Smith transferred to Prolific Prep in Florida to continue sharpening his game against top competition. But even as he’s risen on the national stage, his heart has never left Ohio.
“Alex and his family love the Buckeyes, and we couldn’t be more excited for him to officially join our family,” Diebler said. “He is highly skilled, has positional size, and a high basketball IQ which will be an asset for us. Alex has shown tremendous growth as a player because of his work ethic and will fit perfectly into the culture of our program because of who he is.”
Both Thompson and Smith embody what Diebler has made central to Ohio State’s recruiting approach — keeping the state’s top talent home. Their signings represent not just a win for the Buckeyes’ future roster, but for the culture and pride of Ohio basketball. Despite having just two commitments, Ohio State’s class currently ranks No. 31 nationally and 11th among programs with two or fewer signees — a clear indication of quality over quantity.
“Today is a great day for the future of Ohio State Basketball,” Diebler said. “The combination of talent and character from both Alex and Anthony make them a perfect fit. Both have deep Ohio roots and will take great pride in wearing the Scarlet and Gray.”
As the Buckeyes continue building momentum on the recruiting trail, the current team is already showing the same kind of promise. Ohio State has opened the season 3-0 behind strong play from veterans like Bruce Thornton and newcomers like Brandon Noel and John Mobley Jr., displaying balance, and improved efficiency on both ends of the floor.
The Buckeyes will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive this Sunday when they host Notre Dame at 12:30 p.m. in Value City Arena. With Diebler’s current group finding its rhythm and the next generation of stars already on board, the future of Ohio State basketball looks bright.
