'23 4-star Brandon Gardner on verge of narrowing schools talks three visits

On3’s Joe Tipton announced four-star Brandon Gardner would announce his top ten tomorrow (Friday). Gardner, a 6-foot-7 forward at Raleigh (NC) Word of God, is the 2023 On3 Consensus No. 59 player in his class.

“I block shots well, defend the basket,” Gardner told On3 after a recent game. “I’m making shots now. I have a lot of athleticism and use it to finish well around the rim, above the rim.. I play with a lot of energy. I’ve been working hard on my jump shot, and it is coming along. I watch a lot of Giannis, and I love how he just gets by people and bodies them.”

College programs have gotten excited about his game as well. Brandon Gardner spoke exclusively with On3 about his official visits and what he is looking for while on campus.

“I have taken official visits to St. John’s, LSU, and Auburn already,” Gardner said.

Gardner talks visits

St. John’s: “They are saying they love my game. They play at a fast pace, and I am a fast-paced player. They think I would change their program all around with my high-flying. New York is crazy. They get to play in Madison Square Garden; not many people get to play there. There will be NBA teams there every game you play, so it is just on you to show out.”

Auburn: “I love Jabari Smith, Jr. He asked me if I felt like I would become a better player if I came to Auburn. I told him that I did, and that has stuck with me. If I go to Auburn, I feel like I could be a great player. I didn’t know it was a small town. I am from a small town, my mom loves small towns, and they are a small little college town. Everything about it is good.”

LSU: “I love the way they play. It is Baton Rouge, Louisiana, so the food is a little different down there, but it’s good. It’s the little things like that that have stuck with me.”

“I am hearing a lot from Cincinnati right now; they haven’t offered yet,” Gardner added.

Gardner’s take

“At the end of the day, everywhere is different, so location doesn’t really matter,” Gardner said. “As long as I feel like there is a family vibe on the team and I got to have a point guard with me. I am looking at how the coaches treat the players. I am talking with the players to get the real; coaches can tell you anything, but the players are going, to be honest with you.”

On3’s take

Brandon Gardner is a long and explosive forward prospect. He has a quick lift, possibly as much as anyone in high school basketball. He uses his vertical explosion and 7-foot wingspan to be a factor around the basket. His ball skills have improved this season; he can face up and attack off two dribbles. Gardner has touch, you see it from the free-throw line, and he has become a more consistent shooter when asked to take jump shots. However, Gardner can be fierce around the basket, and as he continues to put on strength, his game will only continue to become more productive.