While 2023 is still two classes away, a name to become familiar with is forward Gus Yalden. From Bo Ryan to Greg Gard, Wisconsin craves the big man with an outside touch. The 6’10” stretch-four is a perfect fit for the system. Already earning power-five offers from Utah, Maryland, Nebraska, and Rutgers, Gus is receiving interest from Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Stanford, and others.
Chatting with Gus
The high character kid told Wisconsin Sports Heroics his Grandfather is his greatest mentor. “He has taught me about sports and life…been there since day one and would love and respect me whether I played hoops or was on the debate team!”.
Although Hockey was his preferred sport growing up, he had taken a liking to basketball, using his size to his advantage. “As a tall kid growing up (basketball was) a sport that I was able to have some early success with. I think because of that, it drove me to get better. Lots of kids used to tell me I just had an early growth spurt. So in the back of my head I always thought that everyone would catch up so I have always tried to work at it everyday. I think hoops is a smart guy’s game but also allows me to be creative.”
Creatively indeed, Yalden works on his craft to become a better all around player. If you watch his film, you notice him being a force inside with an outside touch. He also possesses good court vision with strong passing ability. Although COVID-19 has slowed down the AAU circuit, Gus has been staying busy on and off the court. “Not going to lie, it’s been tough. I started doing CrossFit, I play golf and am going to start boxing when I get back from my weekend in Wichita. I fish and hang out, get shots up in weekly workouts… oh and I’m taking a summer school class to get ahead.”
Current Activities
Gus is running with Wisconsin Playground Club this summer and completed their first tournament this past weekend. He is currently enrolled at the Asheville School, a prep school in North Carolina. With the season up in the air due to the pandemic, the big man has high hopes for the season. “I just want to keep working on my body, speed and agility, develop my skills and hopefully we have the roster and opportunity to compete for a state championship.”
How would an offer from Wisconsin impact Yalden’s recruitment?
“I mean it would be awesome… I’m a big Badger sports fan… playing in my home state in front of all the people I grew up with would be really cool… plus it’s the Big Ten and there are no easy games and no days off!”
According to Prep Hoops, Yalden is ranked at the 69th best player in the 2023 class.
Gus’ recruitment will be one Badgers fans will have to keep an eye out for going forward.
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