Jake Diebler has made significant strides in Ohio State’s basketball recruiting with the recent commitment of five-star small forward Anthony Thompson. On Tuesday, Thompson announced his decision to join the Buckeyes, achieving a remarkable .9974 rating in the 247Sports composite rankings. This positions him as the fourth-highest-rated recruit that Ohio State has secured since 2000, following in the footsteps of legends like Greg Oden, B.J. Mullens, and Jared Sullinger.
Thompson hails from Lebanon, Ohio, and is currently a senior at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson. He is recognized as the second-best small forward and the eighth overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Notably, he is also the top recruit in Ohio, marking a trend for Ohio State to attract local talent, as they also landed the state’s number one prospect, Devin Royal, in the 2023 cycle.
Standing 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Thompson’s scoring ability is complemented by his impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan. His unique skill set allows him to defend effectively against both perimeter and interior players. According to 247Sports scouting director Adam Finkelstein, Thompson’s shooting technique features a high release that makes it difficult for defenders to block, reminiscent of former Buckeye standout Deshaun Thomas. This ability to score from various positions on the court sets Thompson apart from other forwards.
Last summer, Thompson showcased his talent on the Adidas 3Stripes Select circuit, where he averaged an impressive 22 points per game with a shooting percentage of 53%, including 39% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, he demonstrated his defensive prowess by averaging 1.9 blocks and 1.6 steals per game.
Thompson’s decision to commit to Ohio State not only strengthens the team’s future prospects but also highlights the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent from within the state of Ohio. With Thompson still young and having the potential to develop further physically, his addition to the roster is a promising sign for the Buckeyes as they look to build a competitive team in the coming years.