NCAA Basketball: Big East headline 2022 4-star G Roddy Gayle’s top 6
By Ian Mumm
4. UConn Huskies
Out of all the teams on Gayle’s list, the Huskies seem to currently have the most momentum program-wide. A move back to the Big East conference coupled with a roster primed to compete with the best talents in the nation has Huskies fans on edge for this season’s potential breakout. Budding star James Bouknight and guards RJ Cole and Brendan Adams leave the potential for a weakened backcourt after the 2020 seaosn.
Head coach Danny Hurley has already secured the commitment of talented top-50 point guard Rahsool Diggins to help alleviate this issue. However, the commitment of shooting guard Jordan Hawkins and the expected presence of Tyrese Martin and Andre Jackson on the roster could complicate the playing rotation for Gayle should he commit to Connecticut.
Despite the potential success of the program and opportunities down the road to make his mark, it’s unlikely too big of a hurdle to immediately crack the rotation to the level Gayle would likely be expecting to make.
3. Pittsburgh Panthers
Things were setting up perfectly for the Panthers to elevate their position within the ACC conference power rankings heading into the offseason. However, the sudden departure of star guard Trey McGowens to Nebraska has complicated Pitt’s timeline of success. Additionally, the de-commitment of 2022 5-star guard Jalen Hood-Schifino from his pledge to the program has head coach Jeff Capel back to square one in search of reinforcements.
Gayle would be a nice, high-end piece for Capel to add to the roster and the Panthers seem to have developed quick momentum in the pursuit of his services. The current roster projections for the 2022 season would essentially hand Gayle the keys to the team and heavily lean on his scoring talents to buoy the program to success.
Undoubtedly competing in the ACC conference game in and game out would bring the best version of Gayle to the court, but much like the situation at Georgetown having positive momentum prior to his arrival would make the circumstances more suitable for his commitment to join Pitt.