Better Know a Freshman: Seton Hall’s Eron Gordon

Hotly recruited Indiana shooting guard Eron Gordon is taking his talents to Seton Hall.

The 6’3 Indianapolis native had a long recruiting process before finally choosing to join the Pirates. Fielding offers since middle school, Gordon culminated his senior year at Cathedral High School as a 3 star, top 150 recruit nationally. Accordingly, Gordon was vied for by teams country-wide, including other Big East reps (Butler, Marquette).

The interest in Gordon stems from two main areas: pedigree and performance.

A quick glance at Gordon’s family tree reveals that excellence on the court seems to be a dominant family gene. His father, Eric Gordon, Sr. remains one of Liberty University’s top 20 scorers. After a stint at Indiana University, oldest brother Eric Gordon, Jr. was a 7th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and currently plays for the Houston Rockets. Second-eldest Evan Gordon racked up an impressive 1,300 total points throughout his college career. All respectable stats from the “first family of Indianapolis basketball.”

Of course, Gordon can’t sign checks (pardon, “letters of intent”) relying on family prestige. His last name may have sparked the spotlight, but his high school performance lands him success in his own right.

Averaging 24.5 points per game his junior year, and 19.5 points his senior season, Gordon was also one of the 13 players selected for the Indiana All Star Team. Additionally, he was a contender for “Indiana’s Mr. Basketball,” a coveted title determined by coaches and the media.

It’s no coincidence that Gordon officially signed with coach Kevin Willard’s team one week after noted Seton Hall player Isaiah Whitehead announced he was entering the NBA Draft. With Whitehead off seeking pro dreams, Derrick Gordon also left the squad to become a firefighter.

For those counting at home, that marks the loss of two trusted shooting guards for the Pirates. However, Coach Willard undoubtedly has an insurance policy in mind with the signing of Gordon—the player possesses an offensive capability that is bound to bolster Seton Hall’s attack with time.

Gordon plays with a ferocity and flexibility that holds the promise of shaping the Pirates’ drive. Ultimately, Seton Hall gives Gordon the unique opportunity of immediate need and development. The Pirates need to ensure a strong shooting presence, and Gordon’s freshman status allows Willard to develop the player to best complement Seton Hall’s offensive formation.

Though not yet tested in the collegiate arena, Gordon’s capabilities more than hint at a successful career with Seton Hall. We can appease ourselves with the knowledge that at least he’s shown he can “flat out score.”