Prospect Spotlight: Gabriel Esqueda (2018)
T.J. Rushing
Grandview has a 6-foot-3 post who wants to be seen, and Gabriel Esqueda hopes that he can generate some recruitment this summer as he heads into his senior season.
Esqueda is a strong and physical 6’3, and says that he holds his own against taller posts. But he’s also versatile and can extend his game to the perimeter.
“I’m an undersized post, but I can hold my own against guys that are much taller than me. I can pretty much guard people of all sizes because I have a big body, I’m pretty strong, and I have a good jumping ability,” said Esqueda.
“And also I can play on the wing, because that’s where I played when I was younger, and I just grew so much that my coaches started to put me at the post.”
But it’s not just his physical tools that make him a good player, but also his mental toughness and willingness to learn.
“What makes me a good player is the mindset that I have, like if I want to do something, then I’m going to do it. And I’m going to work my hardest to accomplish that,” said Esqueda.
“And also, if the coach asks anything of me, then I don’t question what it is, I don’t really worry about it, I just do it.”
As a junior with the Greyhounds, Esqueda averaged 18 points per game, and was the team’s linchpin defensively.
“They expected me to go out there and be physical, and I would have to defend all positions. I’m the second tallest guy on the team, but I’m also pretty quick,” said Esqueda.
This summer he and his Grandview teammates will play together as often as they can. And Esqueda is hoping to add to his current short list of interested colleges.
“I haven’t really gotten any letters, but I’ve been reached out to by Columbia Basin College, trying to get me to come and meet their players and go to their open gyms, and that’s basically where I’m at with that right now,” said Esqueda.
“This summer I hope to develop my ball-handling a little more, it’s not the greatest but it’s coming along. And if I can do that I think college coaches will pay attention to me a little bit more.”
