Gertrude, who just turned 17 in April, has made a name for himself on the defensive end, where he has a knack for getting steals and converting them to points. “I feel like just playing defense, it makes offense easier,” he said. “Defense to offense, the transition is very gritty. You make a steal, you go down the other way, you get two points. That’s why I love playing defense, it makes offense easier.” Jim Hart, Gertrude’s coach with the Albany City Rocks Nike EYBL team, said he “may be the best on ball defender in the class.” “Elijah will be well prepared for the college game,” Hart said. “He comes from a great high school program where he’s been held accountable on both ends of the court. Elijah is an elite athlete but more importantly his athleticism translates to IN GAME production. He is one of the top perimeter defenders in the class who has completely shut downElijah Gertrude announcement at 4pm tomorrow on @247Sports.
— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) September 13, 2022
▪️ Rapidly improving
▪️ Athletic with change of pace & quick twitch
▪️ Playmaking instincts
▪️ Rises-up into his pull-up
▪️ Defensive upside@elijah_gertrude I @HCHawksHoops I @TheCityRocks
📺 https://t.co/3aI0EE1LYo pic.twitter.com/xMyGeSRGFs
5-star players on numerous occasions. “On the offensive end he is a shot-maker. He can get to the rim using his right handle and quick burst and when he gets there he can finish over you or with crafty lay-ins with either hand. He also hits mid-range jump shots and rhythm 3’s at high percentages. “His future coach will be getting a high character, disciplined and coachable winner!” Seton Hall is still looking for its first commit in the Class of 2023, while Rutgers has one in four-star small forward Gavin Griffiths. Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on Facebook