4-star forward Brandon Gardner commits to St. John's

Class of 2023 four-star power forward Brandon Gardner has committed to St. John’s, he told On3.

The 6-foot-7, 185-pound prospect out of Raleigh (N.C) Word of God ultimately chose the Red Storm over Auburn, LSU, and Georgetown. He also received offers from Kansas, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Florida, Memphis, and others. Gardner becomes St. John’s first commitment to the 2023 class.

In the class of 2022, the Red Storm landed commitments from two highly regarded transfers in Andre Curbelo (7.5 PPG at Illinois) and David Jones (14.5 PPG at DePaul). Mike Anderson and Co. also landed two prospects from the high school ranks in AJ Storr (four-star) and Kolby King (three-star).

Gardner is the No. 83 prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also ranked as the No. 17 power forward.

On the EYBL circuit playing for Boo Williams (VA), Gardner is averaging 11.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, on 50% from the floor.

Gardner breaks down his decision to commit to St. John’s

“St. John’s is like a family,” Gardner said to On3. “I want to go somewhere that I will be wanted. The way they play, the way the coaches treat their players, just everything about it. I feel like New York is now my second home. The coaching staff played a big role in my decision. Coach (Van) Macon is my head recruiter. We talk all the time. We just got off the phone actually. He’s like family, for real.”

How will Gardner be able to contribute?

“Anything they need me for. Rebounding, dunking on people. I’m just going to be a great teammate. If they want me to shoot the three, I’ll shoot the three. I’m just going to play with a lot of energy, as I do now.”

What’s Gardner most excited about when he gets on campus?

“It’s college, you know? Just meeting new people, meeting friends that I’ll know for the rest of my life. Just enjoying it. I’m ready for the work. I’ve been ready for the work. I got a lot to prove.”

Gardner Scouting Summary

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. – On3’s Jamie Shaw, National Recruiting Analyst