Babbitt commits to Ohio State

Galena High boys basketball star Luke Babbitt just couldn't keep his secret any longer.

Local television stations reported on Tuesday that Babbitt has announced he will be going to Ohio State, which is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation. Originally, Ohio State wasn't even among Babbitt's top 10 choices, but the Galena junior has family ties in the area, leading him to choose the Buckeyes.

Babbitt is scheduled to formally announce his non-binding verbal agreement to Ohio State during a press conference at 2:45 p.m. Friday. Babbitt said last week at the NIAA 4A State Championships that he had already made his decision, but would wait until this week to make the announcement. Babbitt, a junior, will be able to sign with Ohio State during the fall signing period in November.

Babbitt averaged 28 points, 11 rebounds and four assists this season for Galena. He helped the Grizzlies to the NIAA 4A State title at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas last weekend. In the semifinals, he had 36 points and 20 rebounds in a 677-58 win over Canyon Springs.

He then scored 12 of his 25 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer, in the fourth quarter to help the Grizzlies beat Mojave 54-51 for the title. Babbitt's performance against Canyon Springs came in front of Arizona coach Lute Olson and his assistant Miles Simon.

Arizona was one of the final five schools on Babbitt's list along with Ohio State, Nevada, UCLA and Gonzaga.

The 6-8 Babbitt is considered to be one of the nation's top forwards in the junior class and there are recruiting services who have him ranked among the nation's top 10 overall juniors.