By JACOB POLACHECK
Class of 2023 forward Brandon Gardner has only been playing basketball for a few years, but in that time, he’s emerged as one of the nation’s most promising prospects.
“I started playing basketball in the eighth grade,” Gardner said by phone Sunday. “It was the summer going into eighth grade.”
Now, as Gardner prepares for his sophomore season at Gray Academy (SC), he is ranked by 247Sports.com as the No. 9 power forward and No. 42 overall prospect in the Class of 2023.
“I’m a leader on the court,” he said. “I’m a team player and a dog on the court.”
The 6-foot-7, 185-pound power forward from Gray Academy (SC), currently holds offers from Illinois, Wake Forest, Wichita State, South Carolina State, South Carolina Upstate, Winthrop, Ole Miss and Clemson.
While Gardner is yet to take any unofficial visits due to the coronavirus pandemic, he says he named Illinois, Ole Miss, Wake Forest and Clemson among the schools that he hopes to visit in the future.
He broke down each school:
Illinois: “They’re in the North so it’s kind of cold up there. That’s a big deal. They have a great coaching staff. They’re like family.”
Wake Forest: “They’re down South. They’re a neighbor to us. I like their coaching staff also. I like the way they play, even though I haven’t seen them play with the new coaching staff.”
Clemson and Ole Miss: “I really don’t know a lot about them, but I’m excited to learn more.”
Outside of his offers, Gardner is also receiving interest from a number of high-major Division 1 schools.
“USC, Utah, Maryland, Syracuse and Florida State to name a few,” he said.
Given that Gardner is only a sophomore, his recruitment is still in the early stages. However, Gardner recently did a Zoom call with the coaches at Winthrop.
“I got the offer from them on that call,” he said. “My mom and high school coach were on the call when they offered.
“They like my game and like the energy that I bring on the court. They have a great fan base. They all followed me on Instagram and Twitter, showing a lot of love.”
With the high school season coming up, Gardner laid out both his individual and team goals for the year.
“I’m going to accomplish getting 15 points, 10 rebounds and like five or six blocks per game,” he said. I want to win another state title, be a team player and leader on and off the court.
“I’m going to motivate my teammates. If they miss a layup, I’ll encourage them to get back on defense and all of that.”
Off the court, Gardner is just like any other high school sophomore.
“I’ve been going to the lake, living that lake life,” he said. “I also like listening to music: Lil Baby, NBA YoungBoy. I’ve started listening to a little MoneyBagg Yo. Also, Lil Durk.”
Photo: @bgardner2023/Twitter
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