4-star forward Brandon Gardner down to four schools, sets commitment date

Class of 2023 four-star prospect Brandon Gardner tells On3 he will announce his college decision on Monday, June 27th at 8:00 AM ET.

The 6-foot-7 power forward out of Raleigh (N.C.) Word of God will decide between Auburn, LSU, St. John’s, and Georgetown. He’s visited each of his final four schools, with the trip to the Hoyas being unofficial.

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, Gardner is currently averaging 11.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, on 50% from the floor.

Gardner talks schools

In a previous interview with On3, Brandon Gardner discussed the programs involved.

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.

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.”

Georgetown: “A player like me, I feel like I could change the whole program around, if I can get a point guard to go with me, and a good wing…“We have a great relationship,” Gardner said of Georgetown’s staff. “They love me, they love my mom. Coach (Patrick) Ewing and coach (Robert) Kirby even came to my crib once.” 

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