Prospect Update: Evan Gauger (2019)
There’s been a lot of eyes on Indianola guard Evan Gauger this summer, and it seems his offers list isn’t close to being finalized just yet.
Right now, the skilled and increasingly athletic rising senior holds offers from D2 schools Queens (NC), Truman State, Central Missouri and Wayne State, recent NAIA champ Graceland has offered too.
“I have a lot of D2 schools talking to me right now,” said Gauger.
D1s are getting in the mix as well. Gauger has mentioned South Dakota State, Drake, Lehigh, UMass Lowell and most recently The Citadel as programs that have texted and called.
And now that his grassroots season is finished, he’s got some time take some visits.
“I’ll be scrimmaging with Drake players August 2nd,” said Gauger. “Northwest Missouri State has talked to me a lot and wants me to visit to talk about a scholarship.”
Gauger, a 6-foot-2 combo-guard, is a guy that’s always been immensely skilled. He’s grown quite a bit though during the past two years, and has become more athletic.
It seemed just a matter of time before D1 and D2 schools would take notice.
“My biggest improvement would be my defense and jumping ability, off both one foot or two. I can get a lot more rebounds now and dunk much easier,” said Gauger. “I’ve worked a lot on getting by my defender, by having a quicker first move and that’s really helped my game a lot.”
He’s been playing with the Indianola varsity since his freshman year. That’s when we first identified him then as a top prospect in his class. Last season as a junior, he really came into his own, and averaged 19.2 points on 51 percent shooting all while leading his team in assists, steals, blocks and rebounds.
Gauger says his role this season with the Indians will be much the same. And with himself and fellow rising senior Quinn Vesey returning, Gauger has his goals set very high for his team next winter.
“For senior year, my goal is the same as last year. I personally know I’m going to have the best season I’ve ever had, and I know we as a team are going to surprise a lot of people,” said Gauger.
“We had a great season last year, but it ended a lot shorter than we wanted. This year’s goal is to get a lot further than that. We want to get to state and just like everyone else’s goal, win state.”
There’s a good chance Gauger will still be uncommitted as he heads into his senior season this winter. He’s in no real hurry to make a college decision.
“I’m not in any rush to make a decision right now,” said Gauger. “So, I’m not completely sure (when I’ll commit), but it won’t be for awhile, until it just feels right.”
Evan Gauger is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 20 prospect in his class.