Mr. Basketball Preseason Candidate: Andre Gordon
Andre Gordon is busy quarterbacking Sidney’s football team to a 7-1 record right now. But, come basketball season, Gordon has a chance to be the best hooper in the Greater Western Ohio Conference.
A year ago, Sidney went 18-6 and lost in the second round of the postseason to Springboro. Gordon was named Honorable Mention in Division I, which is a little surprising when you look at his season averages. Gordon tallied 20.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game last season.
Gordon winning this season’s Mr. Basketball would come as a bit of a surprise across the state. But, looking at the formula, Gordon should definitely be considered a candidate.
First of all, Ohio’s Mr. Basketball must have elite talent. Since 2001, only LeBron James (#1 NBA Draft pick) and Justin Fritts (Wheeling Jesuit) didn’t play Division I basketball.
Next, we considered projected team success. Again since 2001, 10 of the 17 Mr. Basketball winners led their high school team to the State Final Four that season.
Then, the most important piece of the formula considered is production. We’re considering the player’s projected role on their team to predict if they have the opportunity to fill up the scorer’s book. It’s especially imperative that you put up points, as the only Mr. Basketball to average under 20 points since 2001 was Jared Sullinger at 19.9 points per game in 2009. But, Sullinger made up for that tenth of a point by averaging 14.8 rebounds, being the #2 player in the country, and winning the Division I State Championship.
Let’s check how we forecast Gordon’s junior season.
Talent: B+
Gordon’s outstanding play with All Ohio during the grassroots season pushed him to #6 in our 2019 prospect rankings. His speed and ability to change directions on a dime makes Gordon an impossible cover. Gordon is best when going towards the rim, whether that be a layup or pull-up attempt in the mid-range. Good court-vision.
Team Success: B
Last season’s 17-5 record isn’t good enough for a Mr. Basketball winner. But, they return seven of their eight rotation players, including all five starters. In a loaded GWOC, Trotwood, Springfield, and Wayne have been mentioned as favorites. But, Sidney’s experience could be enough to improve their regular season record by a couple games.
Production: A
Gordon averaged 16.3 shot attempts as a sophomore. With the entire roster back from last season, his opportunities to create offense should be identical. If his offensive totals can be more consistent this season, his scoring average will increase by a few points. Six rebounds and assists per game is also in the realm of possibilities.
Gordon’s chances:
Sidney needs to be a lot better this season. That’s really the big question mark. They have everyone returning, but they could run into difficulties because of their size.
The thing is, though, if they do dramatically improve, Gordon will be the culprit. The show runs through #20. With a year’s worth of development and maturity, his consistency and athleticism could make for a monstrous breakout. From what we saw with All Ohio, it won’t surprise us if he takes Sidney to the top of the GWOC mountain.