Standing at an imposing 6’7”, 235 lbs, Carte'are Gordon is not a typical high school Sophomore. With offers already reaching double digits, Gordon has shown college scouts that he deserves to be considered as one of the top basketball players in the Class of 2018. “I keep telling myself, ‘You have to keep working, and that’s how you’ll get better’.” Gordon said. “My goal is to get that number one spot in the 2018 rankings.”

 

Speaking of atypical, Gordon’s journey has been different than most. Starting to play basketball at age nine, the Kirkwood, Missouri native has taken his game to such a level that he will likely be one of the first members of his family to receive a free college education. “I come from a family where not many people get scholarships. They have had the talent, but they haven’t had the opportunity. I feel like God gave me the skills I have and the power I have to do something with it. So, coming where I come from motivates me every day to get better.”

Despite picking up the game at such a young age, Gordon didn’t begin to truly distinguish himself until he began his high school career at St. John Vianney High School (St. Louis, MO) in 2014. At Vianney, Gordon has faced off against some of the nation’s best. “We play a lot of the good teams in Missouri, like Father Tolton Catholic High School and Chaminade Prep. We have a lot of competition and good players in our conference, but I feel like we’re gonna keep improving. We’re just gonna keep getting better. ”

 

Gordon’s constant improvement has captured the attention of scouts all over the country. He currently holds offers from many schools, including Kansas, UNLV, and Missouri, but don’t expect a decision anytime soon. “I hope to commit sometime before my senior year, if not during my senior year.” Claimed the high school Sophomore.

 

Things should pick up for Gordon this summer. As of now, college coaches are unable to contact him. However, at the conclusion of his Sophomore year, when he is finally of age, there is no doubt that he Gordon will be receiving a few calls. “So far, it’s been pretty good. I don’t have a problem with it at all. But I know that when they contact me, that’s when it could get overwhelming at times.” Said the highly coveted Power Forward.

 

Something that has helped prepare Gordon for the next level has been his added exposure in the AAU Basketball Circuit. Up until this year, Gordon has played AAU with Team SW Illinois Jets. Next year, he is planning on joining Mokan Elite, forming one of the top teams in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League bringing his skills to an already imposing squad featuring stars like Michael Porter Jr(2017), Trae Young(2017), and Jontay Porter(2018). This will be Gordon’s first experience in the EYBL circuit and it is clear that he is thrilled for the change, saying, “I’m excited to see what we can accomplish because with Trae, Jontay, Michael, and I, we are full of good players. So, I just want to see what we can accomplish and show off what we can do.”

Carte'are Gordon may already be one of the top players in the Class of 2018, but with a couple years remaining in high school, and the Nike EYBL to look forward to, the next few years could be his best. Gordon’s drive for success and his intense love for the game has proven that Carte’are Gordon cannot be stopped. “Nothing can stop me, except for me.”