This article incorrectly referenced sources claiming Kendall Gill was Anthony Gill’s father. Anthony Gill Sr. is his father. We are sorry for any confusion.
With the recruiting season coming to a near close, coaches across the country are looking to already experienced NCAA talent to harbor their squads in the next upcoming seasons. With the Buckeyes still holding onto three scholarships for the 2012 class, it’s very likely that head coach Thad Matta is looking at a handful of transfer options for either this season or next year. We’ve already looked at some of those options in the past, including former Mississippi State guard Rodney Hood. Today, we start a series of profiling the possible fits for Buckeye Basketball.
Today, we take a look at former South Carolina forward Anthony Gill. After his visit to campus during the spring game, the buzz has been that he will make a decision between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
For a team that could need some help in the post, Anthony Gill would be a nice addition. Only recruited heavily out of high school by George Washington, Liberty, Richmond, and South Carolina — Gill had something to prove in his first year on the college hardwood.
And despite his desire to leave Columbia after one season, Gill is more than on his way to establishing himself as a marquee player in college basketball. With Frank Martin heading to the SEC after doing such a great job at Kansas State, you’d think a young talented forward would be excited to continue his tenure at the University that recruited him.
Despite playing in all 31 games and starting in 26, there is only one thing though that a young player has that can guarantee they will see the playing time they believe they deserve. The trust of the coach they are playing for.
What Gill brings to the table is still a question that is going to take more playing time to answer. At 6’8″ (on a good day), he really can rebound well and hold his own inside. The best part is that he has the agility to guard out on the perimeter if need be. That’s huge in the B1G and across the nation, because so many power forwards (see Deshaun Thomas) can shoot the basketball and create scoring opportunities by either dishing it off, settling for a jumper, or driving to the lane to get to the bucket.
After riding the momentum of Amedeo Della Valle over the weekend, it seems like the Buckeye coaching staff has their eye on a future forward. After taking in all the festivities that took place this weekend, you have to believe that the Buckeyes are right where they need to be when it comes to Anthony Gill.
Scouting Report
For a big man, Gill really knows how to handle the basketball and isn’t a liability at the top of the key or around the perimeter. In fact, at times he can create slick separation to the rim. This dunk in late December was Gill’s only points against Wofford, but were a prime example of what he is capable of. After the defense left him to cover the ball handler, they attempted to collapse inside. After a beautiful pump fake, the Charlotte native avoided all contact by throwing it down from distance. After setting the pick to get the ball handler free, he caused his defender to over pursuit on the pass attempt to the top of the key. What made the play was a simple sidestep and drive to the basket. It may sound basic, but you can tell that at this point of his career, Gill doesn’t have to think about it. As he enters the lane past the 2 lead guards in the 2-3 zone, he realizes after a quick peak into the low post that there is no way he can make an entry pass inside either on the run or off the pro hop. So he does the next best thing. Throw it down from long range. The beauty of the play is in the fact that not only is it a high percentage scoring chance after the breakdown of the defense, but Gill put himself in prime position to draw a foul. In this case the defense cleared for him, but every single play on the floor he brings that type of mentality. It’s a natural instinct you can’t teach.
Gill is a master of driving to the lane and creating contact. Throughout high school, that was his bread and butter. At times last season, we saw it work too.
As witnessed in his best game of the season – the opener against Western Carolina, he has the ability to take over games at times. He ended up scoring 14 in this one, while getting to the line with big rebounds on second chances and even showing off a pretty good looking jump shot from long range. He has no fear going to the basket offensively.
But as you’ll see throughout this video, he is often slow to get up the floor defensively. There are a few broken down plays off turnovers where he doesn’t get back because of lack of hustle. Sometimes he is just clearly out hustled to the glass by better athletes. On a team like South Carolina and even Ohio State that doesn’t matter too much. It opens up the floor for guys like Sam Thompson, Amir Williams and Lenzelle Smith to get back and make a play happen.
And leaves a big man back in open space that can create scoring chances out of thin air.
As witnessed in his 14 point performance against Kentucky Wesleyan, he is really quick at adjusting to the hoop when getting the ball in the post. His up and under move is pretty hard to stop and with momentum he has great coordination when driving to the basket. Even off the block on an offensive rebound it’s evident. That is something that this team desperately needs next season. Deshaun Thomas is great at getting the basketball back, but there is nobody on the Ohio State squad that can finish with as much creativity and consistency as Gill.
He is so methodical in what he does that he is often a quiet scorer. In a way, he reminds me of a young Tim Duncan. He might not get a block based on his athletic ability, but he’ll out time you. He might not look like a superstar going to the hoop, but he’ll get there. He is always looking for the next play. Whether that’s dishing off to someone on the baseline or beating his defender to the glass.
Defensively, there is still some work to be done. A glimpse at his photo above gives you an indicator of his size and strength. He still creates havoc at times, but he will need consistency and more muscle if he decides to join the Big Ten. That’s where a year off could really do him wonders in Thad Matta’s system. Not only could he add muscle, but he could slowly make the adjustment from a run and gun offense to a bit more conventional way of playing.
The beautiful thing is that if he does join the Bucks, he gives them many options. Without Jared Sullinger and the likes of Aaron Craft, Shannon Scott, and Sam Thompson (who all can run like deer) running the floor, we could see a few changes offensively.
Gill has a great jumper from 15′ and inward, but having Chris Jent tinker with his jumper for a year could add to his range by the time he joins Ohio State in 2013. He already has a great base. He is at his best when he can catch and shoot from the perimeter, but if he becomes a deep threat — he’d be really tough to stop.
All in all, I’d say it looks like a good chance the Buckeyes could land Gill over the next week. As an overall specimen, he has all the tools to be successful. He would be a welcomed addition and unique talent to an already studded basketball squad.
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