MVP Klaiber Names Leader

While the rosters at the Three Stripes tourney at Hofstra University were peppered with big-name rounballers from around the country, it was somewhat of a no-name who carted home MVP honors.

The 6-7, 190-pound wing forward Gordon Klaiber from Redemption Christian in Troy, New York, lit up an elite field all weekend, culminating in solid back-to-back performances in the semifinals and finals against the Tim Thomas Playaz Black and the LA Rockfish. Klaiber torched the Playaz Black for 24 points, including four three-pointers, in his team's last-second victory in the semi's. He added 16 points in the finals, capping off a tourney run that will surely have recruiters peppering his phone lines.

Klaiber is adept at creating space for himself on his jumper, and is comfortable shooting off the dribble. He handles well for his size, and established himself as a viable perimeter threat with a quick release. Gordon has a long frame and will need to pack on some muscle for the next level. His face-up skills and ability to create his own shot should make him attractive to many a college program.

Entering the tournament, Klaiber featured a fairly modest list of schools that were pursuing him, considering his performance at Hofstra. Morgan State had previously offered, but is no longer involved. Farleigh Dickinson had expressed serious interest. But it was an America East program that Klaiber has been enamored of.

"I'm really interested in Albany," said Klaiber. "I haven't verbally committed, but I like them a lot."

Klaiber took an official visit to Albany in May, and had previously taken an official visit to Morgan State and an unofficial visit to James Madison. He does not have any other trips lined up.

Klaiber will compete in the Charlie Weber Tournament at West Virginia University with the New York Elite, as well as the Las Vegas Big Time Tournament and the Best of Summer Tournament in California.

Klaiber averaged 11 points and six rebounds at National Christian Academy in Maryland this past season. He is already enrolled at Redemption Christian for the fall.

"I'm taking a prep year both because of academics and because I'd like to attract the interest of higher level schools."

Klaiber told Rivals Hoops that he carries a 3.25 GPA, and a 2.5 in his core courses. He has attained a qualifying SAT score of 820.

Klaiber's exploits at Three Stripes should help him garner interest from Atlantic 10 programs and above. Seeing that he'll be active at sanctioned tournaments throughout the month of July, we expect his list to expand considerably.