One of the top prospects in the state of New York as a sophomore, 6’4 Roddy Gayle Jr. has certainly seen his recruitment continue to take off from high-major programs around the country. Holding offers from schools in the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and others, Gayle is excited to see what the future holds even after a tough season and possible summer ahead.
He discusses with Phenom Hoops all the latest with him and his thoughts on a few programs in our latest recruit 1-on-1.
PHR: First starting off, how everything has been going with you overall'
Gayle: “With everything going on right now, my AAU season has been postponed and our workouts have been limited.”
PHR: How did this past season go for you overall in your mind' What were you able to show and work on as a player'
Gayle: “Due to a concussion, my season was limited but before I suffered my concussion, we were doing pretty good. As a player, I was able to show my ability to score and get my teammates involved.”
PHR: You have been earning some impressive offers lately. What are your thoughts on the latest offers you have received overall'
Gayle: “It is a great experience receiving offers from these different programs because it gives me a wide variety of colleges to choose from and picking the one college that not only fits me on the court but also for school.”
PHR: What schools have all offered you'
Gayle: “Buffalo, Alabama, Canisius, Niagara, Rutgers, Oklahoma, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Georgia, DePaul, Marquette, LSU, Nebraska, and TCU.”
PHR: Looking at an extensive list of offers, what are you liking about them early on'
Gayle: “Each of the last programs have a great basketball program where I can think I can thrive and be successful to take that next leap into the NBA but they also provide a great education.”
PHR: Your latest offers have come from LSU, DePaul, TCU, and Nebraska. With them being the most recent this past month, what are your thoughts on each of them early on'
Gayle: “I like how DePaul played last year. I caught a few of their games on TV and I definitely can see myself playing for Coach Leitao. Coach Dixon at TCU has done a great job with his squad and I love his character. Nebraska has always been a solid team and I think I can learn a lot about the game of basketball there. Lastly, a lot of pro basketball players came from LSU. I think if I perform at a high level, it will definitely give me a good chance of being drafted into the NBA.”
PHR: Have any programs really been standing out to you or pushing hard in your recruitment'
Gayle: “Schools like Syracuse, Wake Forest, Marquette, Michigan, and Ohio State have been recruiting me the hardest.”
PHR: Syracuse and Wake Forest are two programs that you hold offers from. What are your thoughts on those two since they are recruiting you hard'
Gayle: “I took unofficial visits to both schools and from what I saw, I really like Wake Forest’s brand new facilities. Coach always keep in contact with my high school coach and is a great person and mentor. I also loved Syracuse because of the location… it’s only about two hours away and the atmosphere is crazy. The only two players from my city to play at a high-major D1 college like that were Johnny Flynn and Paul Harris and those were my idols growing up.”
PHR: Does being so close play into any big factor for you as far as your recruitment for Syracuse'
Gayle: “Yes, it definitely plays a factor because being close allows my family to come and watch home games.”
PHR: Any other visits you have made so far'
Gayle: “I visited Ohio State when they played Michigan.”
PHR: How did that visit go and what did you like about the program'
Gayle: “The visit went great; I loved the facilities that they have developed and the type of play style they have. I met some of the staff and I liked how they treat the players and have such a tight relationship.”
PHR: Are there any schools that you are wanting to visit when you can'
Gayle: “I want to visit as many as I can just to get a feel of the environment and campus life.”