2023 Gus Yalden has quickly been making his mark here in North Carolina and even for a player that is ranked as one of the premier talents around the country, it hasn’t always been easy, especially over the last year or so. Facing a rough year but now back and healthy, Yalden has been helping lead the way at Asheville School. Also being back on the court, the big man is reminding everyone about his game and what he has been working on.

Phenom Hoops spoke to him about the latest in his recruitment, as he has made several visits in the past and he discusses his thoughts. Check out what he had to say.


Phenom: How has everything been going at Asheville School' How has it been here in NC with that team and program'
Yalden: It is definitely a different experience than IMG, but I'm grateful to be here and I appreciate that I was able to be close to home to heal and when the time came, to play basketball.  The Asheville School is a tough academic school that is really challenging, so I'm learning a lot on and off the court.

Phenom: You have been one of the clear leaders on the team and really have stepped up your game with this team.  What has it been like to get back on the court and perform at a high level'
Yalden: I am just so happy to be playing and to be healthy.  I'm still working out the kinks but it feels great to be hooping again.  Coach Whitmore hasn't exactly given me the keys but he trusts me to make the right play within the offense.  North Carolina hoops is different; people talk about it being the hoop state for a reason ' it is a battle every game.

Phenom: How has it been playing against the talent in NC' What have you seen'
Yalden: Teams are really balanced, even top-ranked players have three or four dudes around them that can hoop, so you really got to scout the whole squad and even the bench; any given night someone can step up and go off.  Asheville School is the same way, we have shooters in Kaden and Michael, a crafty smart point guard in Derin, and Leon is a perimeter threat that can run the floor and finish above the rim.

Phenom: What are some areas that you have been working on with your game'
Yalden: Perimeter defense for sure and my shot, getting a quicker release and shooting off the dribble.  Also trying to get to the rim from the perimeter when I have a slower or weaker defender on me.  I always have my go-to back-to-the-basket game but I want to be efficient at all three levels of scoring, not just that one.

Phenom: How has your recruitment been going for you overall'
Yalden: It has been great.  It is going to be tough when the time comes to commit because I have gotten to know some amazing coaches that I respect so much.  I am flattered to be recruited by the programs that are interested in me; it is humbling honestly.  I know some guys in my class are committing early because of the transfer portal and how that might impact roster spots but I just want to take my time and make the right decision for the best all-around fit.  My game is still expanding and now that I'm healthy, who knows what kind of player I will be six months from now but I'm betting on myself and the sky is the limit.

Phenom: You hold multiple big offers but would you say that any schools are really standing out for you or making a strong push for you'
Yalden: I talk to coaches from a few schools more than others but I would say they have all been supportive and encouraging with my comeback but nobody is pressuring me to commit or to set a timeline.  Before I got hurt, I wanted to commit in March around my birthday but now, I'm thinking the fall of my senior year.  Coaches are going to move around and rosters are going to change.  Just need more reps and some time to catch up; ten months is a long time to be injured. Some people wrote me off, got to prove them wrong.

Phenom: You have been able to make some visits. What schools were you able to take in and did anything stand out on those visits'
Yalden: Rutgers was special because it was my first offer and when I was leaving, Coach Pikiell shook my hand and told me he would love the opportunity to coach me.  Just a super special coach with a great staff.  Nebraska was home for me during my elementary school days, so it felt comfortable and familiar to be on campus.  Coach Hoiberg has had success with a player like me in Georges Niang, so that is also appealing.  Wisconsin, Butler, Marquette, Louisville, Iowa State, and Iowa were unofficial but those campuses had special things about them that were appealing.  Charleston will always be the most memorable because my grandfather, who recently passed, took me on that visit and he thought the campus was beautiful and Coach Kelsey is always so authentic.  I'm going to try to get to a few other officials soon and then have a couple of unofficial visits planned as well.

Phenom: Have any specific schools that you are looking to visit or any dates set'
Yalden: Nothing certain yet, mostly because I can't leave campus right now because of COVID. But hopefully, in February, I can get out and visit a few.