This year, Jayden Gardner was awarded NC Basketball Coaches Association All-State 1st Team, Cap-8 Player of the Year, he has over 15 Division 1 basketball offers and he averaged 23 points, 14.8 boards and shot 64% from the field.
By all accounts, every possible measurable, Jayden Gardner is a stud hooper. So why is he still falling under the radar' Gardner is a 2-time alum of the prestigious North Carolina Top 80. Both times he was one of the top performers in the event. Everyone walked away raving about Gardner's energy level and his relentless attitude.
After his performance in the 2016 NC Top 80 one of Phenom Hoops National Scouts wrote, 'No one played with more effort and energy than Jayden Gardner. His relentless work ethic made a big impression on all the coaches and media in attendance. In addition to his work ethic we were impressed with his on the court attitude and team player. He was a willing passer out of the post and was very unselfish. More importantly he understands the game and makes winning plays.'
This sentiment falls right in line with what NCAA compliant scout Rick Lewis wrote about Gardner after his performance in the 2017 NC Top 80, 'Jayden Gardner won the Mr Station Award, however if the NC Top 80 had a Mr Toughness award Gardner would have won that award as well. In our last set of stations Gardner received a nasty elbow to the eye and had to go to the Emergency Room to receive 6 stitches. Gardner then returned to action to play the final two games of the day where he averaged 23.5 points and 12 boards per game.'
It is without fail that when watching Gardner, as you can see by the above comments, you notice his tenacity and his strength. Even playing at the rim, he is a high level rebounder and seeming finishes everything around the basket. Look at his stats this season, playing in one of North Carolina's most competitive conferences, he led his team to an undefeated record while averaging 23 points, 14.8 boards and shooting 64% from the field.
Right now, Gardner carries offers from the likes of Penn State, Richmond, St Joe's, VCU, Old Dominion, College of Charleston and a host of others. This kid is tough, he produces every time out on the floor and he has skills that translate to the next level.
Check out this video Jacey Zembal shot from the 2017 NC Top 80