Notre Dame has quietly put together a three-man recruiting class that should take next year’s team to the top of the ACC. Leading that class is shooting guard, Temple Gibbs, who is currently ranked by ESPN as the #78 player in the 2016 class. With 24 offers in total, Gibbs’ decision came down to five schools: Georgetown, Providence, Virginia, Miami, and, of course, Notre Dame. “I just really fell in love with the campus. Coach Brey and I have a great relationship. He has a great relationship with my older brothers, so it seemed like a perfect fit,” Gibbs said. “I just can’t wait to get down there, to be around my teammates. I have a great relationship with them many of them; Elijah (Burns) and Matt (Farrell). It’s gonna be fun to really be able to go at it and to compete in the ACC.”

 

While it is clear that Gibbs is excited to go and compete at Notre Dame, he also made it apparent that he wants to finish his high school career on a good note. “This year, I want to win a T of C, the New Jersey Tournament of Champions.” Gibbs didn’t stop there, saying, “I also want to set the scoring record for the county this year, and lead my team as best as possible.” It may be fun to follow Gibbs’ pursuit of the county scoring record, but what is most impressive about his game is his ability to provide for his team. Not only can he score at will, but he also does a great job as a leader on the court:“I think my biggest strength would have to be my game as a whole and my ability to get my teammates involved,” he said, “Just trying to be a good playmaker, making good passes and good decisions.”

 

Gibbs’ playmaking ability has led him to become a dominant player, not only with his high school, Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, NJ) but also with his AAU team, Playaz Basketball Club. Playaz Basketball Club has been one of the most well-known teams in the country, with notable alumni such as Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter. The 6’2”, 180lb shooting guard’s experience with them has elevated his game to the next level. “They’ve helped me a lot. Two years ago, we won the Peach Jam and it really showed me that I can play with the best competition out there. I was glad that I had players like Isaiah Briscoe to help guide me through my first year in the EYBL.” Having the ability to play with and against some of the best players in the country has definitely helped Gibbs and has prepared him for the high level of competition that he will see next year at Notre Dame in the ACC.

 

After committing to Notre Dame this past May, Gibbs has set a great example to other student-athletes on how to handle the pressures of the recruiting process. “It was definitely a little stressful, but it’s something that you have to get used to. Once I got used to it, it became a little bit easier for me to handle. I had my parents there with me and they were receiving calls also, so I wasn’t the only one receiving calls. That made it a little bit easier,” Gibbs commented on the recruiting process. “My friends and family weren’t there to make my decision for me, but they were there to help. I just looked to them for guidance and to help me make the right pick. They made sure that I had the right kind of relationships and just made sure I was going down the right track.” he said

 

Although Gibbs spends most of his time improving his game, now that he has completed the recruiting process, he is left with plenty of time to focus on school. “I like to read. I take school very seriously, so I have study hall every day and I love to read. I often read the Harry Potter books and that’s something I enjoy.” the high school Senior said. There is no doubt that Gibbs has excelled in the classroom, as he provides a great precedent on how to balance school and sports. Gibbs seems very prepared mentally and physically for the challenges that he will have to experience at Notre Dame: “I just want to make sure that I go to Notre Dame ready. I want to make sure that I know my role no matter what, whether it’s coming off the bench or starting, or learning for a year, or playing right away. I just want to make sure that I’m prepared for each scenario that I have to go through. That I’m making the right choice and working hard towards getting better.”

As Temple Gibbs proceeds through his basketball career, he is absolutely someone to keep an eye on when he is put into the national spotlight next year at Notre Dame. Without a doubt, he is a player to look out for in the 2016 class and in high school basketball in general. With college awaiting, Temple Gibbs clearly made the right decision.