2017 Three-Star SG Commits To Northwestern

On Tuesday afternoon, Northwestern got some exciting news for its 2017 class as the program landed a commitment from 2017 prospect Anthony Gaines. The pressure had been on Northwestern on the recruiting trail and this certainly ceases those thoughts.

According to 247Sports, Gaines is rated as the No. 3 player in the state of New Hampshire and as a three-star prospect overall. He’s currently listed at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds and projects as the No. 36 shooting guard in the nation.

Gaines is one of those players who might not have the raw ratings that imply he can be a difference maker at the next level, but has the offer sheet to back it up. Not only did he get offers from programs like Butler, Cincinnati, and Dayton, but he also had offers from decent George Washington, Monmouth, Northeastern, and Providence programs. Additionally, Michigan had shown interest.

With his commitment, Gaines becomes the first commitment in Northwestern’s 2017 recruiting class. Admittedly, the 2017 cycle has been a tough go for Chris Collins and his staff, so to finally land a commitment is pretty huge news. Perhaps it can move the needle on some other prospects as well.

Gaines will project as a depth player in the backcourt and on the wing as a freshman behind players like Jordan Ash and Vic Law and fans will hope that he can build off that on the years afterward. Northwestern should have some decent depth for the 2017-’18 season, so don’t expect an instant splash.

How Northwestern closes on its 2017 recruiting class remains to be seen, but if Gaines is any indication, things are heading in the right direction for the Wildcats.