Damien Gordon discusses upcoming senior year, AAU ball and more
2018 guard Damien Gordon has been a key piece for Lakewood Ranch these past few seasons.
The Mustangs posted a 27-3 record and made a Class 8A state semifinal appearance as they came up short against eventual champion Sickles.
Gordon, a 6’1″, 170-pound guard had 15 points in the region final win over St. Pete. He says his defensive intensity grew a lot this past season.
“I learned about the importance of moving on to the next play because the more you care about what you did wrong on one end, you just missed an assignment on the other end for being mad,” Gordon told Prep Hoops Florida. “I’ve learned over the years that I’m a really good defender and it’s hard for people to get past me even in the open court.”
Gordon sees his role for next season as the main scorer and leader on the team. Alongside his AAU teammates and high school teammates Evan Spiller and Jack Kelley, Gordon says it will be a lot of fun scoring having guys like them pick him up if he is ever playing down.
The rising senior trio all play together for CBA United. This is Gordon’s first season with the program. He says he’s focused on getting stronger and jumping higher.
He’s been in the weight room five days a week and then going to the YMCA to workout on Saturday afternoon. He says he’s already seen a little difference in his body.
Gordon started playing basketball at the age of 3. He points to his shooting, ball handling, ability to get to the basket and make athletic finishes around the rim as his biggest assets.
He’s aiming to improve on his jumping and to keep his fouls down.
No offers have come yet for Gordon, but he’s drawn interest from FIU, Eckerd, Eastern Florida State, Nova Southeastern, Marshall, New Hampshire University and Lousiana Tech.
Gordon ranks 51st in our latest 2018 class rankings. Look for him to have the drive to carry Lakewood Ranch and help the Mustangs get to the state final this season. The tools are there for this kid and this group has a ton of talent. A big senior year will give him plenty of more Division I looks.
Photo credit: Bradenton Herald