By Bobby Narang
Glenbard West High School senior forward Braden Huff possesses a rare game.
The 6-10 and 225-pounder ended up picking a college that rarely recruits in the Chicago suburbs.
Huff announced his commitment to Gonzaga University September 27.
It’s a fitting choice for the highly-skilled inside-outside player with a tremendous upside.
The Zags, in the Pacific Northwest, are among the elite programs in the country and lost to Baylor University in the 2021 national championship game. Gonzaga, which has collected five straight 30-plus win seasons, is an ideal fit for Huff, according to Glenbard West head coach Jason Opoka.
“Braden Huff is a perfect fit for Gonzaga,” Opoka said. “He’s prototypical Gonzaga big who acts as an inside-outside threat. He has a high basketball IQ and will thrive as a facilitator in their offense. With Gonzaga’s structure and freedom, Braden will be able to maximize his potential.
“Glenbard West has had some really good basketball players throughout the years. The Glen Ellyn community has had the privilege of watching players like John Shurna, Justin Pierce, and Evan Taylor. Local kids will add Braden Huff to the Mount Rushmore of players and dream about being the next.”
Huff said his recent weekend visit to Gonzaga was a key selling point, plus his close relationship with Gonzaga assistant coach Roger Powell Jr., a former Joliet West High School and University of Illinois basketball star forward.
“Coach Powell has played at the highest level and knows what it’s like to be in that (situation),” Huff said. “He was very up front with me and told me there would be hard days and it would be challenging. I just have to work hard and keep grinding.”
In 14 games during his junior season, Huff put up big numbers in leading Glenbard West to a 13-1 record. Huff averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocked shots and shot 46% on three-pointers in just 22 minutes per game.
A four-star recruit, Huff said Gonzaga’s ability to develop forwards and centers was a key factor in his commitment. He chose the Zags over Virginia Tech, among his 11 offers.
“Gonzaga was talking to me before they offered me,” he said. “Before my visit, they made me feel wanted. What excited me is the room to develop and how they’ve done a good job developing big guys. They have the blueprint for me.
“I really liked my visit. I liked the school, enjoyed the players and the coaching staff. I think the fit is good. I think they value my skills. They’ve developed guys from all over the world. Everybody I met during my visit was really nice and welcoming. They have a good group of guys with similar values to me.”
Scott Burgess, the senior scouting director for Prep Hoops Illinois, said Huff’s skill set is a perfect fit for Gonzaga.
“(Braden) has a very high ceiling and his best basketball is ahead of him,” Burgess said. “At the college level, Braden has all the tools to be successful because he fits where the game is going. Gonzaga has had a ton of success with guys like that over the years, like Domantas Sabonis, Kyle Wiltjer, Killian Tillie, Zach Collins, and Rui Hachimura…Braden has a similar game that has worked well in the Zags’ system. He has impact multi-year starter at the high-major level written all over him and potential NBA upside.”
Burgess said Huff’s long-range potential lies in his diversified game that makes him an inside-outside threat in the current age of positionless basketball.
“Braden is a new age face for a four-man,” he said. ‘He can take his man off the bounce if they play up close on him. If they give me space, he’s outstanding as a pick and op or spot-up shooter. His ability to see the floor as a distributor from the high-post hitting guys on the move or from the block to shooters is terrific. He has sound footwork on the low-block with quick and assertive moves while finishing with touch.”