One Of The Top Centers In The Class Of 2023: Gus Yalden

Gus Yalden is a 4 Star recruit who plays Center at IMG Academy. Yalden is ranked as the 15th best recruit in the class of 2023 and is ranked as the #2 Center in the class as well. In addition, Yalden is listed as the #2 recruit in the state of Florida. His top offers are, Maryland, Auburn, and Florida State.

Growing up, were you inspired by any NBA Players?

I watched KD a lot and old school Larry Bird, Jordan and Magic these days I like K Love and Joker’s game.

What high school is your biggest rival?

I’m new here so personally I don’t have a rivalry but everyone circles the date they play IMG.

What songs do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?

Wins and Losses by Meek Mill
Three Headed Goat by Lil Durk
Said Sum by Moneybag Yo
Next song by Dababy
Last Breath by Future

What is your offseason training like?

This year I had to get creative because of Covid but normally just get lots of shots up and play as much as I can…this summer I’ll definitely be committing more time to weights and continuing to develop my body.

Who is the best player you have ever played with or played against in your high school career?

Devin was fun to play with last year in practices, and this year going up against Moussa and Jarace In practices has been tough!

What do you look for in choosing a college?

Lots of people talk about the right fit but for me clicking with the head coach and their staff is huge but also a strong history of success getting guys like me to the next level matters..,so do academics and the conference the school plays in.

When did you start looking at colleges, and when did colleges start looking at you?

Last fall recruiting started started but really took off after my opening weekend when I played with Playground at an event in Wisconsin and the next weekend in Chicago. Coaches can’t contact me right now but I try to make one or two calls a week to the coaches who have offered me. Trying to build those relationships and get to know the people I may end up playing for.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?

Brett Favre was my idol when I was a kid…but meeting Charles Barkley or Shaq would be pretty dope.

What is your favorite sports moment, as a fan?

Never gonna forget the Badgers Final Four appearance, Packers Super Bowl championship, but in 5th grade my friend Kenny invited me to sit courtside at the Elite 8 in Chicago and I got to watch Syracuse unexpectedly win and advance!