Versatility, size, and athleticism… all words that can describe a very intriguing, young talent down in South Carolina. 2023 6’7 Brandon Gardner from Gray Collegiate Academy is already being pegged as a big-time talent coming from the state and college programs aren’t wasting any time in showing that.
First off, Gardner would describe his game as a versatile player, one that can shoot, push the ball on the break, and can jump out of the gym. He prides himself on the defensive end and can defend multiple positions. Gardner thrives as a wing prospect with his ability to knock down shots but also as a forward because he can show off his power as well.
With a bunch of seniors on last year’s team, it seems that Gardner’s best games are ahead of him and he has been preparing himself this offseason.
“I consistently workout on my ball-handling and my shooting,” he told Phenom Hoops. “I’m a student of the game because I’ve been watching film on my downtime of some of the greatest at my position.”
College programs though aren’t wasting any time in showing their interest, as Gardner recently announced that he received his first offer from Illinois.
“I remember the beginning of the season last year during the open run when college coaches can see you practice. They had a game against USC but they found time to come see our team practice at Gray. I was like “Wow, Big Ten coaches are here to see us.” Now, to actually receive an official offer from them just motivates me to continue to improve. My mom is originally from Chicago, so she is extremely excited about the offer. I can’t wait until my first official visit.”
Later on, he added an offer from Wake Forest, a school that he is impressed with when watching them last year and understands how tough it is to play in the ACC.
Since those first two offers, he later added an offer from Wichita State as well and has earned interest from Arizona, Kentucky, Villanova, Virginia, Notre Dame, Iowa State, Clemson, College of Charleston, Georgetown, USC, and Louisville.