Pirate Preview: Gus Yalden

Published: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

by Victor Gonzalez

With Jaden Bediako graduating and Elijah Hutchins-Everett entering the transfer portal, the Pirates had a massive need for a big man this offseason. Coach Holloway needed to bring in a forward or center who could fit his ideal big man mold with a versatile skill set that includes physicality on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. Enter the Gus Bus.

Joining Seton Hall for the 2024-25 season is 6'9", 258-pound redshirt freshman big man Gus Yalden, who transferred this offseason from Wisconsin. A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Yalden fills a big hole for the Pirates and will have the opportunity to compete for significant minutes.

Yalden didn’t appear in a single game last season at Wisconsin as he battled through injury and personal issues. However, in high school, Yalden was a 4-star, top-150 recruit in the nation. He moved between high schools, playing at Mater Dei (California), IMG Academy (Florida), Asheville School (North Carolina), and La Lumiere (Indiana). Throughout his high school career, Yalden was a solid finisher in the post, showed elite passing skills, and had impressive footwork for his level. He attributed his strong footwork to playing ice hockey while growing up in Wisconsin, which helped him become light and fast on his feet.

Heading into the 2023-24 season with Wisconsin, Yalden dropped 30 pounds, weighing in at around 275 pounds his freshman year. Since transferring to Seton Hall, he has shed even more weight, now listed at 258 pounds, and continues to improve his conditioning for the Pirates. Yalden will be competing with seven other big men for minutes in Coach Holloway’s rotation and has the potential to make an immediate impact. The Pirates clearly liked his game, with assistant head coach Rasheen Davis serving as the lead recruiter on Yalden, who could turn out to be a home run addition for the team.

Victor Gonzalez can be reached at victor.gonzalez@student.shu.edu. 

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