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Gus Yalden had an official visit to Rutgers on Saturday, the four-star big man taking in a football game and getting some time with men’s basketball head coach Steve Pikiell.
The power forward, ranked by Rivals as the No. 73 player in the nation, got a full tour of campus and the basketball facilities. This included being able to watch the team practice.
“The morning practice was great to watch; it was competitive and had lots of teachable moments,” Yalden told ‘Rutgers Wire’ after his visit.
“Crazy that this early in the season players already dialed in and efficient.”
Personable and outgoing, the class of 2023 prospect is enjoying the recruiting process.
One of the most coveted prospects in the nation, Yalden has a host of schools after him including offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Iowa, Louisville, Maryland, Stanford, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Xavier among others.
The trip was an opportunity to see the campus, connect with the coaching staff and players and see if the Scarlet Knights were a good fit for him.
He had an opportunity to talk with Pikiell one-on-one during the visit. The message came across loud and clear.
“Pretty simple he just said he wanted to coach me and felt like it would be great for me on and off the court. Coach Pikiell has had an impressive basketball journey…his players and the Rutgers community seem to really embrace him,” Yalden said.
“Not going to lie I’m a little surprised how much I really truly enjoyed my official visit at Rutgers… just can’t imagine making this decision without being able to get on campus.”
Yalden said he hopes to continue his official visits with Nebraska and Wisconsin next on his agenda. He also hopes to take some other programs in on unofficial visits.
After his visit, Yalden wants to come up for one more visit to check a gameday experience at Rutgers.