Jason Svoboda
07-25-2009, 09:49 PM
Terre Haute North has a good one in Justin Gant. The 6-foot-8 forward has really caught the attention of many college scouts this summer on the AAU circuit and has drawn some high praise for his multi-dimensional skill set.
While Indiana State was one of the first programs to offer, they definitely have their work cut out for them. With programs from the Big 10 already calling, it's fair to say Gant will end up a national recruit considering the fact he is only going to be a junior this season. We recently sat down with Justin to speak about how his summer has been, his offer from Indiana State and how his recruitment is going.
SycamoreHoops.com: What is your current height and weight?
Justin Gant: I'm currently 6-foot-8-1/2 inches and 200 lbs.
SycamoreHoops.com: Have you set any personal goals for your upcoming high school basketball season?
Justin Gant: Win the Pizza Hut Classic, win Sectionals and go as far as we can in State tourney. Make the Indiana Junior All-Star team.
SycamoreHoops.com: How would you describe your game? Are there any players (college or pro) that you try to model it after?
Justin Gant: I am a forward who has a post game or can step out with 3 point range. It will matter who is guarding me, if they are bigger, I will pull them out with my perimeter game and then drive. If they are smaller, I will post them up. I am working hard on adding weight and strength. Our head coach really works us hard in the weight room and I am seeing the results. Before Freshman year, I was benching 90lbs, I just recently got 200 and I'm working hard with 2 more seasons left. I'm not modeling after anyone, just trying to improve as much as I can.
SycamoreHoops.com: Have you been playing AAU ball this summer? How has it been going?
250http://www.sycamorehoops.com/images/recruiting/2011/justin_gant1.jpgGant concentrates as he shoots a free throw for Terre Haute North Justin Gant: I play with Indiana Elite One. It is a very good team with all the players probably playing Division 1 basketball. www.indianaeliteone.com (http://www.indianaeliteone.com/)
SycamoreHoops.com: Who has offered you a scholarship?
Justin Gant: Bradley, Indiana State, Iowa and Rice.
SycamoreHoops.com: What schools are recruiting you the hardest?
Justin Gant: The college coaches were allowed to start calling last month. All of the ones who have offered have called and some others. Coach Beilein at Michigan has been the head coach that has made the most contact, Coach Stevens at Butler and assistants from some other schools.
SycamoreHoops.com: Do you have any favorites, a Top 5 or anything like that?
Justin Gant: No favorites yet. My parents, high school coach and I will look at things in August after we see who is all interested and make a favorites list then.
SycamoreHoops.com: What kinds of things are you looking for in a school? Good academics, early playing time, specific system, etc?
Justin Gant: I want good academics, a style that fits me and a school that will help me get to be a better basketball player.
SycamoreHoops.com: What position are most coaches recruiting you to play at the next level?
Justin Gant: Most are looking at me as a 4 who can play some 3 offensively and I'm working hard and being able to guard a 3 defensively. The more I can do, the more I can help the team, the more playing time I can get.
SycamoreHoops.com: Have you visited Indiana State yet? If so, what were your thoughts and impressions? If not, do you have plans to get over for a visit?
Justin Gant: I went to ISU and met in Coach McKenna's office when he offered me. We went to the weight room but mainly talked. I'm going to try and get over in August before school to talk about academics.
SycamoreHoops.com: What coach is handling your recruiting from Indiana State?
Justin Gant: Coach Lansing has spoke with me and Coach Cunningham was at a game of mine in Louisville.
SycamoreHoops.com: How is your relationship with him?
Justin Gant: They seem like great guys.
SycamoreHoops.com: Is there any pressure by your family to stay close to home?
Justin Gant: No pressure, my parents want me to go where I want to go.
SycamoreHoops.com: Do you have a timetable set for your decision?
Justin Gant: I'm not sure, I imagine I'll know when a school is right. I won't wait if I know, but I want to take my time and look at everything. It's a huge decision.
While Indiana State was one of the first programs to offer, they definitely have their work cut out for them. With programs from the Big 10 already calling, it's fair to say Gant will end up a national recruit considering the fact he is only going to be a junior this season. We recently sat down with Justin to speak about how his summer has been, his offer from Indiana State and how his recruitment is going.
SycamoreHoops.com: What is your current height and weight?
Justin Gant: I'm currently 6-foot-8-1/2 inches and 200 lbs.
SycamoreHoops.com: Have you set any personal goals for your upcoming high school basketball season?
Justin Gant: Win the Pizza Hut Classic, win Sectionals and go as far as we can in State tourney. Make the Indiana Junior All-Star team.
SycamoreHoops.com: How would you describe your game? Are there any players (college or pro) that you try to model it after?
Justin Gant: I am a forward who has a post game or can step out with 3 point range. It will matter who is guarding me, if they are bigger, I will pull them out with my perimeter game and then drive. If they are smaller, I will post them up. I am working hard on adding weight and strength. Our head coach really works us hard in the weight room and I am seeing the results. Before Freshman year, I was benching 90lbs, I just recently got 200 and I'm working hard with 2 more seasons left. I'm not modeling after anyone, just trying to improve as much as I can.
SycamoreHoops.com: Have you been playing AAU ball this summer? How has it been going?
250http://www.sycamorehoops.com/images/recruiting/2011/justin_gant1.jpgGant concentrates as he shoots a free throw for Terre Haute North Justin Gant: I play with Indiana Elite One. It is a very good team with all the players probably playing Division 1 basketball. www.indianaeliteone.com (http://www.indianaeliteone.com/)
SycamoreHoops.com: Who has offered you a scholarship?
Justin Gant: Bradley, Indiana State, Iowa and Rice.
SycamoreHoops.com: What schools are recruiting you the hardest?
Justin Gant: The college coaches were allowed to start calling last month. All of the ones who have offered have called and some others. Coach Beilein at Michigan has been the head coach that has made the most contact, Coach Stevens at Butler and assistants from some other schools.
SycamoreHoops.com: Do you have any favorites, a Top 5 or anything like that?
Justin Gant: No favorites yet. My parents, high school coach and I will look at things in August after we see who is all interested and make a favorites list then.
SycamoreHoops.com: What kinds of things are you looking for in a school? Good academics, early playing time, specific system, etc?
Justin Gant: I want good academics, a style that fits me and a school that will help me get to be a better basketball player.
SycamoreHoops.com: What position are most coaches recruiting you to play at the next level?
Justin Gant: Most are looking at me as a 4 who can play some 3 offensively and I'm working hard and being able to guard a 3 defensively. The more I can do, the more I can help the team, the more playing time I can get.
SycamoreHoops.com: Have you visited Indiana State yet? If so, what were your thoughts and impressions? If not, do you have plans to get over for a visit?
Justin Gant: I went to ISU and met in Coach McKenna's office when he offered me. We went to the weight room but mainly talked. I'm going to try and get over in August before school to talk about academics.
SycamoreHoops.com: What coach is handling your recruiting from Indiana State?
Justin Gant: Coach Lansing has spoke with me and Coach Cunningham was at a game of mine in Louisville.
SycamoreHoops.com: How is your relationship with him?
Justin Gant: They seem like great guys.
SycamoreHoops.com: Is there any pressure by your family to stay close to home?
Justin Gant: No pressure, my parents want me to go where I want to go.
SycamoreHoops.com: Do you have a timetable set for your decision?
Justin Gant: I'm not sure, I imagine I'll know when a school is right. I won't wait if I know, but I want to take my time and look at everything. It's a huge decision.