Recruiting Report: Jayden Saddler (2017)
Jayden Saddler comes from a family where playing high level basketball is nothing new. His oldest brother Devon is currently playing professional in Hungary while his other older brother, Tevon, currently plays for Nicholls State University.
Saddler hopes to follow their lead of playing Division 1 collegiate basketball followed by getting a chance to earn a living doing what he loves most.
Before transferring back home to play his senior season for Aberdeen High School, Saddler played for the well-known Saint Benedict’s in New Jersey. During his time at St. B’s, Saddler made a name for himself as he showcased his ability to put the ball in the hole from pretty much anywhere.
Standing 6-foot tall, you’d think it would be challenging for him to get shots off the dribble, but his high, quick release helps him avoid the defender’s contest. Saddler has a high basketball IQ, which helps him move without the ball, find the holes in the defense, and make them pay.
Saddler recently participated in the Crab Ball Classic, an all star game featuring the top players from the DMV area. He finished the game with 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from deep, but his most impressive bucket came when he took Iowa commit Luke Garza (who stands 6-11) to the hole after a crossover. Saddler used his left hand to avoid Garza’s block attempt, kissing the ball off the glass.
Make no mistake either, Saddler has the ability to play above the rim as well. He was one of three players to participate in the dunk contest prior to the all star game.
After the game, Saddler told PrepHoops that despite holding offers from Towson, Rider, UNC-Greensboro and others, he will attend Mt. Zion Prep (MD) next year. He wants to focus not only on polishing areas of his game that he thinks need improvement, but also being relentless in the weight room.
Saddler has been invited to participate in the Roundball Classic All-Star Game in Hagerstown, MD on April 8th.
Saddler’s skill and ability will certainly translate at the next level. Attending Mt. Zion will give him another year to take his game to the next level. He will be a player Division 1 coaches will want to have on their radar going forward.