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Mock drafts are big business these days, and it's not just the NFL draft that gets all the attention.
Shortly after the 2026 NBA draft concluded -- with Bruce Thornton finding a home -- ESPN got busy projecting a very, very early NBA mock draft for 2027.
It's been a while since Ohio State has seen a player go in the top ten of the draft, but based on the mock projection by Jeremy Woo, that might come to an end with incoming freshman Anthony Thompson and what he might do this coming year.
Thompson is a five-star prospect who projects to start for the Buckeyes and has the skill set and size at the wing to be a superstar in Columbus.
Woo thinks he'll be coveted by NBA scouts and executives and will spend just one year in the Scarlet and Gray.
He has Thompson being selected with the No.
9 pick by the Washington Wizards.
"Thompson is an excellent shooter with great size and length who can man either forward spot, fitting a valuable long-term NBA mold," wrote Woo.
"Scouts want to see greater consistency and improved motor -- he missed the cut at Team USA's U18 trials in May -- but the demand for shooters with size keeps him front of mind as a player to watch in the fall.
"Thompson is a good defensive playmaker who can cover ground and block shots with his length and anticipation.
He's a bit stiff in his hips, limiting his ability to put the ball on the floor and create for himself.
What type of season he puts together at Ohio State will dictate how high he can rise." Now that that's over.
Moving on to the 2027 draft cycle with an early look at next year's class, headlined by Tyran Stokes.
We have all been spoiled by the top-end talent of the last two classes.
How the year plays out for this group will be fascinating.
https://t.co/hEls9XzRz8 Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 25, 2026 It's always hard to know how a highly-touted prospect will translate to the next level, but if Thompson is as good as advertised, it should be a fun year inside the Schott.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State player projected as top ten 2027 NBA draft pick by ESPN.