Recruiting report: Clay Gayman (2018)
KANSAS CITY — Few players have blown up on college coaches radars this offseason like Nevada 2018 Clay Gayman. A versatile player who has drawn interest from a host of NCAA Division I programs, Gayman is a self-described power 3…
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Continue ReadingKANSAS CITY — Few players have blown up on college coaches radars this offseason like Nevada 2018 Clay Gayman.
A versatile player who has drawn interest from a host of NCAA Division I programs, Gayman is a self-described power 3 that can finish in space but prefers to do his damage in the paint and at the free throw line.
At 6-foot-6, 210-pounds, Gayman is a versatile player at both ends of the floor, capable of guarding the 2-5 spots.
After mostly playing the 4-5 at Nevada, Gayman has spent the offseason playing for Gateway out of St. Louis and has gotten an opportunity to play more facing the basket.
“Clay’s versatility is what makes him so valuable to our team,” Gateway coach Marshall Newman says. “He’s very good around the basket due to his length and athleticism and timing, particularly how quick he gets off the floor.
“He’s a very good rebounder, particularly on the offensive end and he has an ever-expanding game and has worked very hard on his shooting and the way he attacks the basket, which is getting better by the day. He has a developing skill set as far as passing the ball and he is a very good post-entry passer.”
Gayman says he has been working tirelessly to improve his guard skills, focusing on his ball handling, catch and shooting off screens, making his first step more explosive, putting the ball on the floor and creating space for a jumper or getting to the rim and finishing or creating for a teammate.
He has also improved his free throw, 3-point shot and mid range jumper.
“We are getting him a little more comfortable with the ball on the perimeter as far as when to attack and that kind of thing,” Newman said. “He is a very, very hard worker and he is a great teammate and brings a lot of energy and effort to our team, the guys all like him. He’s a high character, high energy guy and really works his tail off for us.”
While he hasn’t received any offers as of yet, he has drawn interest from Wichita St, Creighton, SIU-Edwardsville, Oral Roberts, Navy, Pittsburg State and Central Missouri.
“I’ve tried to pattern my game after Larry Bird using my smarts, toughness, doing the little things, and giving 100 percent,” he said. “I don’t shy away from contact and I play with something to prove. I’m harder on myself that anyone and I don’t make excuses.”