The Baylor Bears have added another ESPNU 100 post player in Ricardo Gathers to their 2012 front line that already has the No. 3 overall player in the class in versatile 7-footer Isaiah Austin and center Chad Rykhoek, who has elite basketball IQ with matching upside.
Gathers is the perfect complement to his future post teammates in Austin and Rykhoek who are more finesse players. Gathers is a take-no-prisoners physical presence who is also very athletic at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds. He is a back-to-the-basket scorer who will finish through contact on a consistent basis with drop steps and quick short drives along the baseline. He can also face up and hit the jumper out to the free throw line when defenders back away. However, Gathers is probably best known for his rebounding. He is an elite rebounder who is worth his weight in gold on both ends of the floor. He rebounds in and out of his area in traffic and exposes opponents who don't want to mix it up immediately.
Gathers' strength and power is also a great fit in Baylor's system as well. He will put pressure on the transition defense with his ability to run the floor and finish with power above the rim. He is also a problem on the offensive end because he can power through almost any defender and drive past less-mobile ones on the low wing or baseline. He will be a great rebounder in the Bears' multiple defenses which consist of man and zone schemes.
Baylor has added a player with the power and strength of a grizzly bear to its already-outstanding recruiting class and the fan base in Waco is going to love the way Gathers handles opponents and himself on the court.