Taylan Gathings, Garfield Heights

Taylan Gathings

Class: 2026
Position: PF/C
Height: 6'8"
School: Garfield Heights
Club Team: All Ohio Red

Player Bio

How would you briefly describe your gameplay style?

“I feel as I play like AD or even Zion. But most people will say Shaq, Zion, AD and KD also at times Paul George because of my size and height. Most say KD and Paul George because I got a smooth and tight handle and can shoot from anywhere. Some even say play defense like jrue holiday, ausar Thompson with my very tall stature and long arms I and get steals and blocks easily.”

Can you provide a brief description of your mentality or personality?

“Truthfully I am very antisocial, nonchalant and an introvert but I’m very friendly and funny when I’m comfortable. Mentality I’m good, some day I feel that it could be better.”

Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or have you received any non-sport awards?

“I’ve won some honor roll award and merit roll awards also some good citizen awards by helping others in need.”

What skills or qualities have you developed, such as leadership, teamwork, or community service?

“ I’ve developed being a leader and teamwork most definitely after always being the tallest or the best on the court or in the room. Talking more too my peers helped so much for sports because I was always afraid to speak from have being bullied when I was younger. So I developed social anxiety. So the more I was in class or at practice I start to speak more and involved.”

Have you faced any significant challenges? If so, please describe.

“Yes I’ve had faced some challenges like depression, social anxiety from being bullied when I was younger. I was always the tallest sometimes the biggest. I didn’t have a lot of money growing up so I had 3 pairs of shoes I couldn’t fit I’d wear a size 7, 8 when I was 9 wearing a size 9.”