8. Brandon Gardner – No. 107
Brandon Gardner (unrelated to Jazz Gardner) is a 6’8 combo forwaard out of Raleigh, North Carolina. He has a long wingspan and other high measurables, along with a high motor and ability to rebound. Gardner is the type of prospect that with improved offense could be an NBA Draft pick years from now.
The forward had already chosen a team this past season, picking Coach Mike Anderson and St. John’s. The other finalists at the time were Auburn, LSU, and Georgetown. That has since changed, as the Red Storm parted ways with Anderson and replaced him with Iona HC and Hall of Famer, Rick Pitino.
There was a chance that Gardner could’ve stayed but Pitino cleaned house, with just about everyone except center Joel Soriano leaving. The forward opted to leave as well, becoming a free agent. Taking a quick look at the other previous options, Georgetown has a new head coach as well in Ed Cooley but an open spot at the forward position, while Auburn is likely to have Jaylin Williams back. LSU is open too but coming off a bad season, they may not be as appealing anymore.
Gardner is someone that also had Overtime Elite as one of his original eight options but opted against that. It’s unlikely he’ll go that route but if nothing viable occurs and there’s still mutual interest, that’s something to keep in mind.