Four-Star Forward Brandon Gardner Takes USC Official Visit
USC might not be finished with the Trojans’ 2023 recruiting class and head coach Andy Enfield has the opportunity to finish this group in a big way. USC looks to be squarely in the mix for four-star power forward Brandon Gardner following an official visit that ran from May 30 through June 1.
The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Gardner originally committed to and signed with St. John’s but requested a release from his NLI in early April. The Red Storm made a coaching change after his original commitment, firing Mike Anderson at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season and have since hired Rick Pitino.
That change could help see the Trojans pick up another huge, late addition to their No. 4-ranked 2023 recruiting class.
Gardner is the nation’s No. 107 overall prospect in the 2023 On3 Industry Rankings.
USC made significant noise on the recruiting trail in early May. First, there was the commitment from five-star guard Bronny James. A few days later, forward D.J. Rodman announced his commitment to USC as a transfer from Washington State.
Those two join five-star point guard Isaiah Collier and four-star center Arrinten Page in a loaded class for the Trojans. Collier is the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect and Page is the No. 55 overall prospect in the 2023 On3 Industry Rankings.
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Gardner On3 Scouting Report
“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 Basketball Recruiting expert Jamie Shaw listed Gardner among his “most electric players” in the 2023 recruiting class back in December.
USC in 2023
The addition of Gardner would only add to the growing hype surrounding this 2023 roster. While the Trojans lost some significant pieces from the 2022 team this offseason, the additions plus the return of veteran guard Boogie Ellis has USC inside the top-15 of a number of “Too Early” Top 25 rankings ahead of this coming season.
In addition to Gardner ranking among the most electric players, Shaw named James as one of his top five perimeter defenders. And Collier was Shaw’s No. 1 play creator in this 2023 class.
