Recruiting Report: Ross Ryan (2018)

The summer’s news of Ross Ryan’s (2018) transferring into Pickerington North flung the Panthers from State Title contender to many people’s favorite. The 6’10” forward/center’s size and talent gives way to endless mismatches for Pick North in 2017-18.

“Just from doing the stuff in June and open gyms and stuff, I think all of our guys are on the same page. We’re going to recognize our mismatches and whoever has the opportunity to score is going to score,” Ross said.

He related his role on the team to his grassroots days with All Ohio Red EYBL, one of the best 17U teams in the country this summer.

“I played with All Ohio Red, and we had a really stacked team with scorers. I’ve never worried about scoring every point or anything like that. I’m just worried about winning.”

Ryan tells us that within the program they’re taking a measured approach to the season.

“We set weekly goals, like we want to make so many shots after practice or win certain games. Baby steps until we get to the major goal of winning a State Championship,” Ryan said.

Being at a new school also means a new basketball culture for Ryan. He’s enjoyed the strength and conditioning program and sees his senior season as an opportunity to grow individually too.

“My freshman year, I was tall and lengthy. And each year I’ve worked really hard to put weight on and become more skilled and not just be, quote on quote, you know, people have called me a ‘defensive player.’ One of my major goals is to be one of the guys to get looked at to make shots when they’re needed to be made,” Ryan said.

Ryan is a nice back to the basket scoring threat who is steadily stretching out his jumper. He’s also a strong defensive player that finishes defensive possessions frequently.

“I can alter shots, which is one of the best things I bring with my game. I think I’m pretty good at reading rebounds, that’s one of the things I take pride in … Once I get rebounds, I’m always look up the floor to hit outlet passes. I feel like my outlet passing is slept on,” Ryan said.

Ryan’s selfless approach and skillset will likely make him a contributor at either the low-major or D-II level. Currently, he holds offers from Urbana and Air Force.

“I talk to them, at least, on a weekly basis. I get texts from them every other night or so.”

“I did an unofficial [visit] to Urbana and an official to Air Force,” Ross told Prep Hoops.

Ryan told us that he likes both of the programs. Also, he comes from a military family, making Air Force an interesting possibility. Overall, he’s just trying to find the right fit, and academics will definitely be a part of that for the 3.3 GPA student with a 21 ACT score.

He also has interest from a few other in-state programs.

“I’ve been contacted a lot by Wheeling Jesuit, which is a high Division II. I got a bunch of recruiting letters from small Division I schools. Like I was getting recruiting letters from OU. I talked to the Ashland coach,” Ryan said.

A big run during his senior year could bring a couple more offers along the way. He doesn’t have a timetable for his recruitment process. Also, it’s yet to be determined if Ryan will have to sit out any games for transferring regulations.