Recruiting Report: Brandon Gilbert (2018)
Cincinnati St. Xavier’s 6’7” wing Brandon Gilbert (2018) played in his final grassroots game last weekend in Louisville at the All In Hoopfest. Going into his senior season, Gilbert is excited about the growth he’s had this summer with Club Ohio.
Gilbert has specifically enjoyed playing with Greater Catholic League counterpart, Jeremiah Davenport, in the AAU months — saying that their styles compliment each other.
“He’s more of a strong driver. When I play with him, I feel like I really shoot well and my inside game has gotten a lot better playing alongside Jeremiah,” Gilbert said.
“I feel like I have a bigger role [on the team] in AAU. Going back to school ball, I’m going to be a senior so I hope I have bigger role,” Gilbert said.
Playing in that physical GCL down in southwest Ohio is a healhy challenge for Gilbert. While he is “stronger than he looks,” as Gilbert himself put it, his slender frame could be holding his recruitment back from a major rise.
“I need to put weight on. I’m not really done growing yet, so it’s tough for me to put weight on. But once I get some weight on, I feel like I’m going to be a much better rebounder … The doctors said I have a few more inches [of height] in me,” Gilbert said.
At 6’7”, apparently his growth plates still show room to get a couple more inches. Given his smooth perimeter skill-set, it’s unusual for a kid that projects to be 6’9” to only have three schools recruiting him.
“I’m getting a few looks from D-II and D-III, no offers yet.”
Gilbert specifically mentioned Capital, Holy Cross (IN), and Assumption (MA), as the programs he’s in contact with.
He seems to be in a spot where he’s downright eager to start the recruitment process with a program. In other words, he’s not a picky prospect. Rather, Gilbert just wants to visit campuses and figure it out from there.
“I just want to get to know the coaches, players, the program and see what I like,” Gilbert told us.
As far as we’re concerned, now is the time for Division III schools in Ohio to get involved with Gilbert. He’s more than willing to get on campus for a visit. His upside is tremendous, especially when you consider his willingness to bulk up.
However, Gilbert’s recruitment could definitely rise above the D-III level. He truly has a guard’s type of ability with the basketball at that height. While he may need to red-shirt a season to work on his body, schools looking for a lengthy wing with a nice shooting stroke and a 3.3 GPA should pounce.
Club Ohio Brandon Gilbert @ClubOhio pic.twitter.com/JctzNLEnCR
— Jerry Gilbert (@jerrygilbert68) September 25, 2016