ECU big man, NC State transfer-target, and a guy whose spirit animal is likely Richard Howell, will make his decisions on Monday.
Jayden Gardner is a 6’7, 235lb, beast. He averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds per game as a junior. He shoots around 50% from the floor and he’s a savage in the paint. This is exactly the type of guy Keatts is looking to bring in to fill the 4-spot left vacated by the graduation of DJ Funderburk.
However, Gardner isn’t short of suitors…
He’s down to LSU, Arkansas, NC State, Virginia and Miami. So where will he go?
The case for NC State…
With two years left, Gardner would have the chance to come to the ACC and play at home, in front of his family and friends. (He’s from just up the road in Wake Forest, NC). He also would be playing alongside NC State center, Manny Bates, and he’s no stranger to that.
In fact, Gardner and Manny Bates are ex-teammates who played AAU together for Team Loaded and the rumor is that their relationship remains strong.
We don’t believe there are ties this strong with any other schools on his list. Virginia wouldn’t be far from home, but their style doesn’t seem to fit Garnder’s who is fine going up and down, and really isn’t a back-to-the-basket guy (which is how Virginia likes to use their bigs.)
As for Arkansas, their coach Eric Musselman, may not even be there next season. He is being talked about for a couple of coaching openings. So committing there would come with some risk.
Miami’s style of play may fit with Gardner, but does he want to head all the way down there to be a part of that rebuilding effort?
That leaves NC State and LSU. Will Wade has done a good job with the Tigers but there aren’t any real connections there that are being talked about.
So we think NC State actually has a pretty good shot to bring in Jayden Gardner based on location, conference and prior relationships. But you know how this goes…we’ll have to wait and see on Monday.
Will Wade still being investigated by the FBI. An active investigations with agents in town as late as a few weeks ago either scares recruits away, or attracts those that want a piece of the pie….. Just my two cents worth on a very $100,000 topic
The Texas & Indiana jobs have been filled and I don’t think they could’ve pulled Musselman from Arkansas anyway. I still hope we get Gardner though.
I do believe Indiana University hired Mike Woodson as their head coach.