If you had a chance to watch Hargrave Academy this season, one of the big’s that manned the paint was 2021 6’11 Gabe Wiznitzer. Once a player in North Carolina, Wiznitzer checked in at Hargrave this past season and it seemed to take his game to another level. With his continuing development, it was only natural that his recruitment would continue to grow as well.
The junior big man has a unique game with his ability to be a threat from outside along with his length and skillset in the paint. Lately, several programs have joined in on his recruitment, as Wiznitzer discusses a few of them below along with programs that may be standing out in his eyes at this time.
Check out the latest in our 1-on-1 with Wiznitzer.
PHR: How did this season go for you and how did it help you playing at Hargrave and expand your game'
Gabe: “Our season was solid. We didn’t have the finish we wanted but I think I grew as a player. Playing against high-level guys every day in practice and just being in the gym so much helped me a lot.”
PHR: What parts of your game improved do you think'
Gabe: “I would say my overall feel for the game got better. I became more athletic and became a better shooter and more comfortable in the post.”
PHR: It all certainly helped with your recruitment. You have been receiving a few offers lately. What are your thoughts on your latest offers and what have they been talking to you about'
PHR: “Iowa is a big one for me. Coach McCaffery really likes my skill set and thinks I fit well into how they play. Iona was a really cool offer because of Coach Pitino. He says he wants to make me a priority and really likes my skill set too. I want to visit those two schools along with Providence and possibly Xavier.”
PHR: Have any other schools really been recruiting you hard and making you a big-time priority in your eyes'
Gabe: “Definitely Providence. Clemson has been talking to me regularly and Iona.”
PHR: Let’s talk about Providence. What have they been saying, how has your relationship been with them, and what has been their main message to you'
Gabe: “My relationship is really good with them. I talk to them daily and they say I can come in and play immediately, which I really like. Coach Cooley really believes in my skill set too.”
PHR: Clemson I see has been strong as well. Being close in the area, what have they been communicating to you'
Gabe: “They just tell me that they like my versatility for a big. They do a lot with ball screens and dribble hand-offs, so I think I would do well in a system like that as well.”
PHR: Curious in your thoughts with Coach Pitino. They have been making noise. What is it like to have someone like him and that program pushing hard for you'
Gabe: “It is definitely something I am interested in. He does such a good job with player development and he has a strong coaching staff surrounding him. I really want to get up there soon and continue to build a good relationship with Pitino.”
PHR: Which schools have you been able to visit'
Gabe: “I scheduled an official visit to Providence but couldn’t take it. Unofficially… Clemson, George Washington, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech.”
PHR: Have any schools that haven’t offered yet been showing strong interest in you as well'
Gabe: “Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Georgetown, NC State, Kansas State, and BYU.”
PHR: What have they all been saying or wanting to see for an offer to possibly come your way, just in general'
Gabe: “Most of the head coaches said they want to see me play in person. Others are just slower to offer and continuing to track my development.”
PHR: When you talk to coaches and look at programs, what are you looking for whether it is on or off the court'
Gabe: “A coach that has confidence in me and a system that I fit into well. And someone that can continue to develop my skill set. Chemistry with the other players and coaches are important as well.”