Buckner is a new face here in the Hoosier State as he transferred in to La Lumiere from St. Ignatius in northeast Ohio. He is a dynamic scoring guard that has earned offers from the likes of Albany, Cleveland State, Duquesne, George Mason, and Kent State. The 6’1″ guard is also considered a 3-star prospect by a couple of the national ranking services. We look forward to seeing more of him now that he is here in Indiana.

Buckner recently announced his move to NIBC powerhouse La Lumiere but he’s included in this article for past Ohio ties playing with Saint Ignatius. Buckner has really impressed as a passer with a 12/4 A/TO ratio and has made passes in transition, against pressure and drive and kicks. Hitting a couple spot-up shots from the perimeter, he’s had more success off the catch than bounce in the two games I watched. Also finding ways to score in transition with a couple slam dunks and fast break layups, getting into offense before the defense can set up has been beneficial to Buckner. With a lot of mid major offers and interest, look for Buckner to continue to raise his profile with La Lumiere as a senior.

Buckner had some growing pains in his first 17 U EYBL session, going just 3/13 from the floor. Also finishing with a negative assist to turnover ratio, Buckner will hope to bounce back in the next couple sessions. A guy I really liked what I saw during the high school season with his pace, shooting off the bounce and athletic development, I’ll hope to see better numbers from Buckner over the next couple sessions. Currently holding a handful of low to mid major offers, we’ll see if he can expand his list during the next few live periods.

Buckner had an impressive showing at Flyin To The Hoop which earned him a national rankings spot on 247’s national rankings, coming in at 125. 247 is the only national website where Buckner sees a ranking but that could change with an impressive spring with All Ohio Red. Buckner is developing into his body physically and has always taken care of the basketball and made shots from the outside. Playing on the EYBL circuit will show if Buckner is worthy of being a nationally ranked recruit. Currently holding mid major offers, we’ll likely see more schools get involved soon.

Saint Ignatius needed to bounce back after a disappointing loss to rival Saint Edward by 20 points. Their response on Sunday? A dominating blowout of Mentor as the Wildcats were up 20+ points at halftime and brought their starters out with around a 35-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Buckner led an efficient charge that showcased excellent ball movement and unselfish play. Making a couple off the bounce jumpers and a few dunks, Buckner was the biggest standout in my eyes in a team wide domination on Sunday for Saint Ignatius.

Buckner is another prospect who had a sharp increase in recruitment this summer, adding offers to Albany, George Mason, Kent State and Duquense. Buckner has a smooth game and has increased in explosive athleticism. Saint Ignatius played a loaded schedule in June and Buckner is now the leader of the team, I’m expecting big things from Ace and the Wildcats this winter.