Former UT commitment Craft picks Ohio State

From: GoVolsXtra.com –
Aaron Craft said he rescinded his commitment to Tennessee buy generic drugs two weeks ago to stay closer to home, and Ohio State University certainly qualifies as that.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.’’