Published: August 26, 2008
Braves basketball star weighs options
Greg Jones
High school sports editor
Could Blackhawk Christian?s Russell Byrd and Bishop Luers? Deshaun Thomas, two of the nation?s best juniors, be collegiate basketball teammates?
It?s a real possibility.
Thomas, ranked No. 7 in the Class of 2010 by Rivals.com, has orally committed to Ohio State, and Byrd, ranked 22nd nationally, has narrowed his college choices down to five, including Ohio State.
Also on Byrd?s list are: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan State and Michigan.
?(Byrd) has gotten to know Deshaun a little bit over this past year,? Russell?s dad, Kelly, said. ?He thinks a lot of him. (Ohio State) has talked with Russell, and they have been real clear and open with him that they would love to have him and Deshaun together.
?Russell feels like that would be OK. Initially maybe growing up basketball-wise in Fort Wayne these last few years obviously in Deshaun?s shadow, I think maybe early on he thought about what it would be like if it ever transpired. But recently as far as he has come along with his game and the opportunities he is going to have and the way the next couple of years could play out, the whole shadow thing has gone away. He?s worked very hard and made a name for himself and a reputation.?
Kelly Byrd said the Buckeyes envision Russell playing on the wing and using the 6-foot-7 Thomas as a 3 or 4 position with more responsibilities inside.
?They don?t see them at all as the same type of player,? Kelly said.
There is no guarantee Byrd will choose the Buckeyes, who already have an oral commitment from Jared Sullinger, ranked third in the 2010 Class.
Byrd still has trips to Michigan State and Indiana in the works, as well as watching Kentucky?s Midnight Madness in a couple of months.