SHARONVILLE, Ohio -- Princeton 2018 guard/forward Darius Bazley announced Wednesday afternoon he has de-committed from Ohio State University.
Lynnita Cowan, Bazley’s mother, confirmed the news to WCPO.com.
“This decision has not been easy because my family and I have built a relationship with the staff at Ohio State, but I would like to give myself the opportunity to explore other universities,” Bazley tweeted. “I want to be sure to choose the school that fits me best both academically and athletically.”
Bazley, who is 6 feet 8 and ranked the state’s No. 1 player in Ohio by 247Sports, said he will still consider the Buckeyes. He is rated the nation’s No. 15 small forward by the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Bazley helped Princeton win 15 games this past season -- the most since the 2011-12 season.
Bazley told WCPO.com March 8 he was still “definitely” committed to the Buckeyes and wanted to improve all parts of his game entering the AAU season.
Bazley said some of his goals for his senior season include making the McDonald’s All-America Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
“I want to be one of those players that can play all five positions,” Bazley told WCPO.com after the sectional final at Hamilton in early March. “I just want to be special. I want to make my teammates better every time I step on the court. That’s the main thing I am working on -- just being different from everybody else. Not just working on one specific thing. I feel like my whole game could use some help. You can always get better. That’s how I feel right now. I just need everything to go up.”
Bazley, who transferred from Finneytown in late July 2016, sat out the first 11 games of the high school season and made his debut in mid-January in the 15th annual Premier Health Flyin’ to the Hoop Invitational at Fairmont High School.
Ohio State coach Thad Matta sat in the first row as Wheeler (Marietta, Georgia) defeated Princeton 77-48. Matta and Bazley spoke near the locker room after the game.
Bazley verbally committed to Ohio State Aug. 27, 2016. He was offered a scholarship by the Buckeyes on June 20.
"Ohio State is such a great place," Bazley told WCPO.com Aug. 27, 2016. "You can't just like one thing. Ohio State is its own little city. I love it there."
Bazley also held offers that included Purdue, Cincinnati, Florida, Saint Louis and Toledo at the time.
Princeton is being considered as a participant in the 16th annual Flyin' to the Hoop event in January 2018.
