7-footer transfers to Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -Seven-foot center Zisis Sarikopoulos has transferred from UAB to Ohio State, Buckeyes coach Thad Matta announced Thursday.

Sarikopoulos, a native of Greece, must sit out the 2008-09 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Sarikopoulos played in 20 games at UAB last season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.1 rebounds.

The Buckeyes lost freshman center Kosta Koufos to the NBA draft.

The 7-foot Koufos, who was born in the U.S. but played for the Greek national 18-and-under team last summer, averaged 14.4 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Buckeyes, who won the NIT last season. He was drafted 23rd overall by the Utah Jazz.