Gonzaga Courts Florida Star: Herly Brutus Emerges as Top Recruit!

The Villages, Florida, USA - In the competitive world of high school basketball, few talents shine as brightly as Herly Brutus. The 6-foot-7 small forward from The Villages Charter School in Florida has just announced that he received an enticing scholarship offer from Gonzaga’s men’s basketball program. This announcement was shared on social media, and Brutus expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join such a prestigious program, which reflects his growing prominence in the sport.

The excitement around Brutus is well-deserved. He stands out not only as a four-star recruit but also as one of the top-20 high school juniors in Florida. If we look at recruiting rankings, ESPN places him at No. 69 in the Top 100 for the class of 2026, while 247Sports ranks him as the No. 118 recruit in the nation and the No. 17 player in Florida. With other notable schools such as Florida State, LSU, and Maryland also courting him, it’s clear his talent has drawn a lot of attention.

Background and Development

Brutus, currently playing on the summer AAU circuit with the Florida Rebels, began his basketball journey at a young age with the Tri City Ballers AAU team. He has come a long way since starting out in third grade, even recalling the struggles he faced early on. By fifth grade, he could dunk at 5’10“, a clear indicator of his budding athleticism and potential. His impressive skills as a point guard led Tavares Middle School to successful seasons, showcasing his ability to influence games from different positions on the court.

This summer, Brutus attended the Pangos All-American camp in Las Vegas, where he highlighted his versatility, demonstrating strong performance at both ends of the court. Aiming for continual improvement, he is focusing on enhancing his ball-handling and perimeter shooting skills, which will undoubtedly bolster his appeal to college scouts.

The Competitive Landscape

As Brutus garners interest from elite programs, it’s worth noting the current landscape of college basketball recruiting. Top schools are assembling strong classes, especially for the 2025 cycle. For instance, Duke is leading the pack, securing commitments from several top-25 prospects, while Gonzaga is also making waves, eyeing Brutus among other top 2026 recruits like Tyran Stokes and center recruit Sam Funches.

Gonzaga’s connection to Florida is significantly strengthened by assistant coach R-Jay Barsh, who joined the staff in 2023 after spending a season with Florida State. Historically, Gonzaga has not featured players from Florida in their 2024-25 roster, making Brutus’ recruitment even more notable. Additionally, the influx of talent from Florida continues to rise, presenting a great opportunity for colleges looking to create powerhouse programs.

Off the Court

Off the hardwood, Brutus leads a balanced lifestyle. He enjoys playing video games like NBA2K and Madden and listens to Christian music. Interestingly, while he initially played football, he ultimately chose to focus solely on basketball, a decision that appears to be paying off. It’s worth noting that his personal aspirations include eyeing a spot at North Carolina, a school he dreams of attending and one that has significant basketball prowess.

As Brutus continues to develop and attract attention from major programs, fans and basketball enthusiasts alike should keep an eye on this rising star. With their eyes on a potential future in the NBA, young athletes like Brutus remind us that hard work, perseverance, and the right opportunities can lead to great success on and off the court.