COLUMBUS - Junior-college transfer Je'Kel Foster has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Ohio State, the school announced on Tuesday.

Foster, a 6-foot-3-inch, 205-pound guard from Natchez, Miss., will have two years of eligibility with the Buckeyes beginning with the 2004-05 season.

Foster was a first-team junior-college All-American as a sophomore at Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Fla. and played at Natchez High School.

''He brings an element of toughness,'' Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien said. ''He is a good defender with the ability to make open shots. More importantly, Je'Kel has demonstrated clear leadership qualities. We think Je'Kel will be a good fit within our program.''