Shaqir O’Neal and Mikey Williams react as Arizona State transfer Brandon Gardner commits to Sacramento State

Brandon Gardner has announced his plans for next season. The Arizona State redshirt freshman posted about his commitment to Sacramento State on Instagram on Monday. It included a cartoon-style drawing of him wearing a No. 0 Hornets jersey.

"God is faithful. #committed," Gardner captioned.

Shaqir O'Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, showed his support in the comments section. Shaqir also transferred to Sacramento State this offseason, and his father was hired as the team's general manager.

"Twin it's up!," Shaqir commented.

Shaqir O'Neal hypes up Brandon Gardner in the comments of his Instagram post (image credit: instagram/brandongardner0)

Mikey Williams also commented on the post. He is in the transfer portal after spending his freshman season at UCF. Williams' comment may create speculation over whether he will join Gardner and Shaqir with the Hornets.

"🎯🎯🎯," Williams wrote.

Mikey Williams reacts to Brandon Gardner's commitment to Sacramento State (image credit: instagram/brandongardner0)

Gardner will team up with Shaqir and develop under Shaquille's guidance as he looks to improve his skill set at Sacramento State next season.

Brandon Gardner's college career thus far

Brandon Gardner, a 6-foot-8 forward, started his college career at USC. He joined the Trojans as the No. 93 recruit and No. 21 power forward in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. However, he appeared in just one game.

A foot injury sidelined Gardner. In the only game he played, he recorded two points in four minutes. The forward was redshirted and transferred to Arizona State last offseason.

Syndication: Arizona Republic - Source: Imagn

Gardner was also unable to show off his skill set for the Sun Devils. Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley announced in January that Gardner had not debuted due to a suspension for an undisclosed team rules violation. Hurley added that there was a pathway for Gardner to eventually return to action, but he never did.

Just one day after the transfer portal opened, Gardner entered his name, seeking a new home for a second straight offseason. He is a sizable forward and an impressive former high school recruit who makes good use of his seven-foot wingspan. Gardner will aim to have more playing time as he has decided to take his talents to Sacramento State.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

Know More

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez