COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Anthony Crater, a prized recruit who has appeared in all 10 games for Ohio State (No. 13 ESPN/USA Today, No. 15 AP) this season, has been granted a release from his scholarship.
Buckeyes coach Thad Matta announced the surprise decision on Sunday. The 6-foot-1 freshman point guard from Flint, Mich., requested the release.
Crater had 12 points and 19 assists for the Buckeyes (9-1). In Ohio State's first loss of the season, a 76-48 setback to West Virginia at home on Saturday, Crater played 12 minutes and missed both of his shots from the field. He had one turnover and one assist.
Matta did not know Crater's plans, but in a news release he thanked him for his brief time with the Buckeyes and wished him the best with his college career.
Ohio State opens Big Ten play Wednesday against Iowa.