top of page
Search

Local forward high on relationship, fit at Maryland with three schools in the mix for OVs

After making the offseason transfer from PVI to Gonzaga (DC), 2025 fringe four-star center Christian Gurdak has settled in with his new teammates as he and four-star Nyk Lewis give the Eagles a talented high-low tandem, but that wasn’t enough earlier this week. In his return game against his former squad, Gurdak posted a double-double with 18 points (8-of-10) and 13 rebounds (7 offensive) in a 73-58 loss vs. PVI on Tuesday night, but the improved efficiency from the 6-foot-9 big is what he’s pointing to as a key development through his junior season. “It always means a lot to shoot high percentages, high 60s, low 70s if not better. Just try to be more consistent because freshman and sophomore year, I had some bad games and wanted to even it out this year,” Gurdak told IBG. “I think I’ve done a good job of that.” Gurdak’s soft shooting touch around the rim has made him a known commodity to college coaches even before he stepped foot on campus with Gonzaga with a handful of high majors involved. Virginia Tech and Virginia previously hosted him for offseason visits, but with assistant Mike Jones leading the way, Maryland has made itself an active player in the race. Gurdak previously made his way to College Park for the Penn State game last month and the four-star made his way back to campus over the weekend alongside his parents, giving him a chance to envision how he’d be used at Maryland. “They use their big, Juju, really well. He’s one of the best bigs in the Big Ten and they’ve told me I’ve been a big part of their offense and their team if I go there,” Gurdak added. Gurdak reconnected with the staff postgame where he and assistant Mike Jones have been able to establish a strong connection, a relationship that’s made the Terps a formidable contender for the local big. “I’ve known coach Jones since seventh grade when he was coaching Hunter at DeMatha his senior year. he recruited me at Virginia Tech too so it’s been a nice transition. I’ve known him for such a long time now, he’s one of the coaches I’m pretty close with so it’s pretty cool to go through this process with him,” Gurdak said. “He’s just made us a priority and he understands what he’s doing. He’s definitely made it a very enjoyable process.” Gurdak made his way to Notre Dame before the start of the season as first-year head coach Micah Shrewsberry has made him a top target. “I’ve known them since freshman year since coach Shrews was at Penn State. He’s kept recruiting me at Notre Dame. Great relationship there too, great coaching staff there,” he said. “I went on a visit to Penn State when they were recruiting me, but first visit to Notre Dame. It exceeded expectations. Great school, great facilities, they’ve got a really good team and I think they’re going to build something special. He’s a great coach.” Maryland isn’t the only Big Ten school in the mix, though, as Christian Gurdak said three schools are in the mix for official visits after his junior season with dates not yet planned and aspirations to commit next summer. “Planning on taking an official to Notre Dame in April, Iowa. I’ll definitely take an official . We’ll probably set that up this summer too. The Hawkeyes jumped into the mix with an offer back in June and have remained an active player since. “They’ve been talking to me since my summer between freshman and sophomore year. We have connections there because Luka Garza, my family and his family are close. His dad is my trainer and just the whole DMV connection, but Iowa is a great program too. They produce bigs and they’re Big Ten. They’re good.” Christian Gurdak is rated a three-star prospect and an 89 overall by On3, sitting as the fourth-best prospect in D.C. Related Links

 
 
  • X
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

© 2022 created by WebJane Design with Wix.com

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

bottom of page