Q: You picked Ohio State last fall. Are you happy with that decision still and what reinforces that commitment?
Gayle: “I am happy with my decision. I knew I wanted to go there, so I figured why not do it early.”
Q: What did you see on your visit there in June? You couldn’t go there and meet with them for 15 months. Now you were able to get back there. Anything that stood out about your visit?
Gayle: “I had already been there before. That visit was basically for my parents to see where I would be next year going into college. It was good for them and for me also. There were people on campus. It was a nice experience to see what campus life is like. I got to meet some of the players on the team.”
Q: Ohio State has Bruce Thornton and Bowen Hardman committed in that 2022 class. Have you had a chance to talk to those guys? Bruce may have been there when you were visiting. What do you think about what they have started with that class?
Gayle: “I think we have something special. Right now, we have the number one recruiting class for 2022. We still have some more spots we can fill. If we can get a few more players, it could really be great. Especially with the core guys we have now with me, Bruce and Bowen. We just need a few more players to take us to the top.”
Q: Ohio State has been in the national top 10 the last two years during the season. There was no tournament in 2020 and they were upset this past year. What do you see is possible at Ohio State? Do you see it as a place where you can get to the Final Four and contend for a championship?
Gayle: “I definitely think it’s a place where we can win and bring (a championship) back to Columbus.”
Q: Who are you close to on the staff? Is it a coach or one of the players? Who do you talk to about Ohio State?
Gayle: “I’m cool with most of the coaches. Coach Pedon, Mike Neti, (Jake) Diebler and Coach Holtmann. We stay in touch and text as well. I’m close with most of the players as well. I stay in touch with them and we share jokes and stuff.”