By JACOB POLACHECK
June 15 marked the first day that college coaches could reach out directly to Class of 2023 prospects and perhaps no player had a busier day Tuesday than Gray Academy (SC) and Team Thad (TN) forward Brandon Gardner.
With more than 20 schools reaching out and four new offers, Gardner’s phone was blowing up all day, hearing from the likes of Kentucky, Georgetown, LSU, Virginia, Maryland, Wake Forest, USC and more.
However, it was just a couple years ago that Gardner was cut from his middle school team.
“I just started hooping two years ago, really. I’m a work in progress,” Gardner told ZAGSBLOG Wednesday. “I didn’t think this would ever happen.”
Gardner, a 6-foot-7, 185-pound small forward out of Columbia, SC, received new offers from Memphis, Kansas, NC State and Auburn.
“It was a blessing,” he said. “All the hard work I’ve put in day in and day out, all the sacrifices me and my family have made, it was just a blessing. I want to continue having those type of blessings so I’m going to continue working hard.”
He broke down each school:
Memphis: “They told me they love the energy I play with, they love my game. I’m looking forward to an unofficial visit. Penny Hardaway, as a coach, that’s an NBA legend. Who wouldn’t want to be coached by an NBA legend.”
Kansas: “It’s a blue-blood school. Who wouldn’t want to be offered by a blue-blood school? It’s a blessing that they even called me, that they are even thinking about Brandon Gardner.”
Auburn: “I love that program also with the fast way they play. I love how they run their program, the coaching staff. It’s all nice people. Plus, my grandma lives in Alabama, so we’re definitely going on an unofficial visit there.
NC State: “They love me. Coach [Kevin] Keatts wants to build around me and have another run. He was talking with my grandma for a little bit. He’s a good person, coach Keatts. I love them.”
With the contact period fully underway, Gardner is set to take an unofficial visit to Georgetown on Monday, June 21.
“Next month is going to be filled with visits,” he said. I want to visit them all. It’s a new experience, once in a lifetime opportunity. I just want to make the best decision.”
As he continues to evaluate his options, Gardner has a long list of factors he’s taking into consideration.
“The coaching staff, the academics, the people that are at the school, the history of the school, the team, who I’ll be with, where the school is and whether or not it’s a place I want to stay for four years,” he said.
Ranked by 247Sports.com as the No. 7 power forward and No. 39 overall prospect in the Class of 2023, Gardner averaged 9.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks a game during the 2020-21 season.
“I’m a killer. I’m going to kill you and I’m going to let you know about it,” he said. “I’m a team player. I get everybody involved. If you’re down, I’m going to pick you up. I can shoot. I can dribble. I can dunk. I love defense, though. I’m going to score regardless.”
Now as the live period approaches, Gardner is ready to showcase his game in front of the entire nation.
“I want to be remembered for being a leader, not only a dunker, but just being a leader,” Gardner said. You can always look up to me. I’ll never lead you in the wrong direction.”
Photo: Contributed by Brandon Gardner
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