You’re Nuts: Who is the best Columbus basketball recruit in Ohio State history?

It’s officially football season, and 85 percent Land-Grant of the Holy Land You have covered in this respect. So, make sure you stay tuned for all of our great news we have to give you as September is just around the corner.

However, we at Bucketheads are still here to help if you’re looking for hoop content. Last week for “You’re Nuts” we discussed Cincinnati’s Ohio State’s top rookie/player. This week we’re talking about Columbus.

In last week’s debate, Connor took on legend Jerry Lucas and Justin took on one of the top scorers in OSU hoop history, Robin Freeman. No wonder the audience sided with Connor and Jerry Lucas on this issue, as Lucas received 88 percent of the vote.

After 64 weeks, here is the updated position:

After 64 weeks:

Connor- 29
Justin – 26
Other- 7

(There were two draws)

This week we’re talking about Columbus’ hometown. Connor takes on Michael Redd and Justin takes on Jared Sallinger.

Buckeye Nation, let’s go.

Today’s question: who is the best rookie of the Columbus basketball team in Ohio story?

Connor: Michael Redd

Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

When you really dig into the record book, there were quite a few great Buckeyes who grew up right here in Columbus. Herb Williams was as stable as they were and Jared Sallinger was a strong monster on the stand… but the best, most influential Buckeye from CBUS is Michael Redd.

Born in Columbus, Redd attended Columbus West High School in the Hilltop Historic District on the city’s west side. He graduated and played three years for the Buckeyes from 1997 to 2000 under Randy Ayers and Jim O’Brien.

As a freshman in 1997, Redd averaged 21.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. That year, the Buckeyes went 10-17 overall and, frankly, sucked, so Redd could make 18 shots per game as the most talented player. Overall it fired 44%, which is acceptable but not overly efficient or great. Redd was named Big Ten Rookie of the Year and is now simply referred to as Freshman of the Year.

As a sophomore under freshman head coach Jim O’Brien, Redd averaged 19.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. In his sophomore year, he made fewer shots per game but was more effective with them, knocking down 47% of his shots. He teamed with Boston College transfer Scuni Penn to take the Buckeyes to a 27–9 record and reach the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, where they were sent by UCONN, 64–58. Redd was the top scorer in that game. That entire season, with the exception of a few games, was exempted due to NCAA violations by O’Brien and the Ohio State program.

Redd returned as a junior in 1999 and statistically had his worst season, but still a very strong season. He averaged 17.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 43.6% from the floor. After that season, he was selected 43rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2000 NBA draft.

Here are some noteworthy statistics, records, etc. that prove that Michael Redd is the greatest Columbus hooper to wear scarlet and grey:

• No. 6 all-time scoring in Ohio State with 1,879 points.
• 7th all-time in Ohio State scoring average with 19.6 points per game.
• Led Ohio State in scoring for all three seasons of his program.
• 2nd all-time freshman in Ohio State history with 658 points in the 97-98 season.
• The highest average by a freshman in Ohio history was 21.9 points per game during the 97-98 season.
• Made first basket, three-pointer and free throw at the Schottenstein Center when it opened in 1998 (November 13, 1998 against Oakland).

Justin: Jared Sallinger

Fred Squillante/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Sallinger is one of the best players ever to come through Columbus. Full stop. Whether from Columbus or not.

Coming out of Northland High School, Sallinger was the second prospect in the nation in the class of 2010 and averaged 24.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game while Northland was ranked No. 1 in the nation. He played in the McDonalds All-American game and was one of the MVPs along with Harrison Barnes. Moreover, that year the game was held in Columbus. He also won the James A. Naismith Award, recognizing Boys’ High School Basketball Player of the Year.

Then Sallinger came to Ohio and immediately became one of the authors, and one of the best. In his first game for the Buckeye, he had 19 points and 14 rebounds. And Buckeye fans knew they always had a great appearance in Columbus.

As a freshman, Sallinger averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Ohio State finished 32-2 and took first place overall in the NCAA Tournament, but they lost to Kentucky in the Sweet 16 in a game that is still etched in the minds of all Ohio State hoop fans to this day.

Now, here’s what’s probably the catch when it comes to Sallinger and his legacy in Ohio State. He only played two seasons. In his second season, he averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game and led the Buckeyes to the Final Four in a loss to a promising team from Kansas.

Despite the fact that Sallinger played only two seasons in Columbus, he immediately had to be reckoned with. Also, as the Buckeyes, Sallinger was 63-10 and led the Buckeyes to two No. 1 seeds, Sweet Sixteen and Final Four. Sallinger could have won a championship in Columbus, but let’s be honest, winning these things is a lot harder than we think.

Looking back at Sallinger’s career, it’s impossible not to notice the amazing influence he had on Buckeye hoops. And he’s the best fucker to come to Ohio via Columbus.