Taking in and watching all the talent on display this past weekend at the Grind Session, Gillion was a program we were really excited about watching and learning more about. There is talent all over the court, and the one player you simply CAN’T miss is 2026 7’0 Marcis Ponder who is already committed to Florida State.
We wrote about Ponder when he announced his commitment to the Seminoles, having this to say about his game:
“Simply put, Ponder can be an absolute mismatch down low, simply overpowering opponents with his size. There is room for growth overall in his game, and that should only continue to come at the next level, but he is ready to compete at a collegiate level from Day 1, even if it is just to be a body out there to battle. However, when we have watched him, Ponder has shown that he can be a dominant big man operating in the post, willing his way to his spots, overpowering and bullying opponents down in the paint, and really being able to control the glass on either end. He does a great job in attacking the offensive glass and finishing, embracing contact, and being a rim protector as well. There aren’t too many opponents that want to run into him on the defensive end when he is manning the paint.”
Watching Gillion Academy vs. Hamilton Heights and against Southeastern Prep, Ponder continues to be such an x-factor. Against Hamilton, Ponder was simply overpowering with 13 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks. And against Southeastern Prep with legit size, Ponder finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks, proving that he can be a workhorse against top-tier talent.
Ponder is a highly interesting prospect, especially when talking about his future and impact at Florida State. Many call him “Baby Shaq,” and it is easy to see why, especially with how physically dominating he can be, and looking to take down a basket or two. Will that be able to translate early on in the ACC? We shall see, but it will be hard not to see Ponder coming in and providing some type of impact for the Seminoles as a freshman. Whether it is his ability to rebound, body up and bring physicality on either end, or take advantage of finishing around the basket, one should expect him to receive minutes purely based on his college frame.
After watching him this past weekend at the Grind Session, I do believe he will be a name you hear more and more for the Seminoles, and could easily be an impact freshman in the ACC.