In the early storm of off-season news, FGCU Men’s Hoops saw a leadership change, vacancies filled throughout the coaching staff, and a flurry of exciting signings to round out the roster for the 2022-23 season. Since then things cooled down a bit as guys have been settling in and building chemistry on and off the court. Although as we know, the grind never stops in college basketball and the coaching staff is very much hot on the recruiting trail. Recently, per a source and subsequent social media reports, FGCU has emerged as a front-runner for Cian Medley; a 3-star (247) point guard who would join the team as a freshman for the 2023-24 season. Below we will break down his game, what he could offer/how he would fit with the team, and who the Eagles are competing with for his services.
On Friday, July 29th Medley tweeted that he would be announcing his commitment on September 10th, implying that he has narrowed down his choices to a few schools.
Per a source, as well as implications from the article linked above, Robert Morris, St. Louis, and FGCU have become the favorites for landing this dynamic, young hooper. To get an idea of what factors might play into his decision, it’s important to look at the type of player Medley is.
Set to enter his senior season at Camden High School in New Jersey, Medley has been a major player in his team’s success already. As a junior he averaged 10 points along with 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. Beyond individual success, Medley led his team to the NJSIAA Boy’s Basketball State Championship game where they lost by just 3 points. In reviewing his tape, Medley plays an extremely likeable brand of basketball. He shows above-average handles with room to improve. He also shows the ability to both get himself open for outside shots and also be a catch-and-shoot / spot-up shooter. Lastly, and most importantly, Medley is a competitor. There is no question that he loves contact and thrives in the paint. His driving ability and body strength allows him to survive contact and finish more-than-consistently.
With that said, he is poised to make an even bigger impact for his team this upcoming year. With many teams taking notice and extending scholarship offers to the 6’1″ point guard, it’s worth speculating which situation might appeal most to him. Per the player, himself:
“Playing style, how hard they play, and relationships are big with me and education as well,” said Medley when asked what the most important factors will be in his decision making process. “I just want to feel like I’m comfortable with somewhere that I’m going and make sure that my family is also comfortable and just making sure that they can see me play. That’s what I’m big on.”
Cian Medley, per https://247sports.com/Article/College-basketball-recruiting-three-star-point-guard-cian-medley-Saint-Louis-Florida-Gulf-Coast-190526344/
His stated factors aren’t much different than you’d expect. He wants a good fit as it relates to play style, culture, and education. Family is also a big component. So let’s assume that reports are accurate and Medley’s final choices are between St. Louis, Robert Morris, and FGCU. Medley’s game is the type that fits in any system so I don’t believe that’s going to be the biggest factor in choosing between the schools. Although he has not expressed it as having an influence on his decision, if we’re talking reputation and perceived status, the program at St. Louis might have the edge. Their recent success and standing in a consistently competitive Atlantic 10 conference has given them respect on a national level. At the same time, FGCU has obviously had their time in the sun over the last 10 years and even won 21 games last season. Medley’s final point pertained to wanting his family to remain a close part of his basketball journey. Doing a little bit of math, one can get an idea of how each of these schools might play a part in his decision. For one, Robert Morris is a quick 3+ hour drive from Camden, NJ. In this instance, “Bobby Mo” might be the favorite. St. Louis and FGCU are 14 and 18-hour drives from Camden, respectively. However, a flight would take no more than 3 hours.
At the end of the day, I think it comes down to relationships. As stated, any competent coach can fit Medley’s game into their system with relative ease. FGCU’s Pat Chambers has a proven track records at a high level and appears to value his relationships with his players. So how would Medley fit in at FGCU. Currently the Eagles have a senior, Isaiah Thompson, and a redshirt senior, Franco Miller Jr., as their only primary ball-handlers. By the time Medley would join the program, these guys would likely be in their final collegiate years and in a position to pass along a depth of knowledge to him as he looks to take the reigns as a point guard.
In closing Cian Medley would be a great addition to the program, should he choose FGCU as his landing spot. More importantly, FGCU would be a great opportunity for him to come in and make an impact with a program on the rise.
“I don’t care what I do out there it is all about winning and playing hard and that’s all. I’m willing to do whatever it takes, whatever it takes to win. If that is to defend, pass, score or anything a coach asks me to do that’s what I’m going to do. I’ve built a great relationship with [FGCU]. Coach Pat Chambers is a really good coach and they play fast so that’s interesting.”
Cian Medley per https://247sports.com/Article/College-basketball-recruiting-three-star-point-guard-cian-medley-Saint-Louis-Florida-Gulf-Coast-190526344/
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