The Gabe Hornberger Interview (Nazareth, PA)

April 26, 2023

The Gabe Hornberger Interview (Nazareth, PA)

Name: Gabe Hornberger

Hometown: Nazareth, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-4

Position: Shooting Guard/Point Guard

High School: Executive Charter (PA)

Graduation Class: 2025

AAU Club: Team Final Red HGSL

GPA: 4.0

Status: Uncommitted

ALLENTOWN, PA -- Gabe Hornberger is a 6-4 Combo Guard from Nazareth, Pennsylvania. He's currently a sophomore at Executive Education Academy Charter School, and runs with Team Final Red in the Hoop Group Select League. Hornberger averaged 12.8 points, 4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game to help guide Executive to a 22-5 record and deep postseason run in 3A.

I'm not going to waste any time in saying this, but dude is a gamer. Hornberger excels at scoring all three levels whether it's a sweet stroke from the perimeter, getting to his spots off the dribble, or blowing past defenders for a quick lay, the sophomore guard's bag is more creative than what people think. Learning how to play the one this year, it wasn't much of an adjustment for him. It allowed him to put his 4.0 GPA to the test, while spacing the floor more for guys such as Rylan Muniz, Jaden Shipley and Elias Lopez. Hornberger told the RPN that he's a favorite of Russell Westbrook, but knowing how old I'm getting I would say he reminds me more of Memphis Grizzlies' sharpshooter - Luke Kennard. It's pretty debatable *laughs* but nonetheless, Hornberger has a bright future, and he's striving for an All-State selection and the Raptors' first state championship in year three.

I caught up with the Lehigh Valley guard on growing up in the Valley, his sophomore campaign and preparation for next season.

Gabe Hornberger Interview

When did you first start playing basketball?

"I first started playing basketball when I was 4 years old. I started out dribbling the ball in basement with my dad, and then joined a kindergarten league. During that time, I started watching basketball as well and Russell Westbrook became my favorite player. The thunder was my favorite team to watch at the time."

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.

"To describe my game, I would say I’m a 3-level scorer. During this season my role grew exponentially from freshman year, which I was more of a catch and shoot player. This year I had to take on way more responsibilities, which led me to put more work into developing my game especially the pull-up, and pick & roll game. I’m also a finisher with both hands, and can use the floater with both hands as well. My jumpshot is the strong point of my game, and I’m expanding my isolation scoring."

How was life growing up in the Lehigh Valley?

"Growing up in the Lehigh Valley was great. I feel like it’s a pretty small community and everyone in the community knows each other, especially when it comes to sports. For sports, the main focus is on football and wrestling, but I feel like the basketball here is underrated. There is a lot of hidden and unappreciated talent in the Valley. Overall, I feel like it’s been a great place to grow up, and I’m happy to have lived here my entire life."

How was your sophomore year?

"After finishing my sophomore year, I think it was a success. As a team .we made school history getting the furthest in states than ever before. As well as winning the most games in school history. After losing a bunch of seniors many people in the local media doubted that we could even win districts. That was the motivation that fueled us the entire year. As an individual, I feel that I did well in taking on a new role, and learning how to play the point guard position. This year was still about getting better, and proving that I could play at a high level in a bigger role. As well as working on my leadership skills."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"Right now, and the rest of the offseason I’m really focusing on my athleticism and have been getting in the gym with a trainer 2-3 days a week. I’m also working on my basketball skills daily whether that be with my team during open gyms, with my AAU teammates or working with my trainer Horace Jenkins. From a skill perspective I’m focusing on becoming a better finisher around the rim and finishing above the rim. I’m also working on extending my range and becoming a more consistent off the dribble shooter."

Who is your favorite basketball player?

Russell Westbrook is my favorite player. When I first got into watching and playing basketball, the (Oklahoma City) Thunder was my favorite team. I liked the way Westbrook effected the game in so many ways. I enjoy the passion he plays with, and how much effort he gives even if he doesn’t score the ball.

Who would you consider your role models?

"My parents are my biggest role models. They instilled moral principles into me, and pushed me to become the best version of myself everyday. I see the way they worked to be successful. They taught me how important work ethic and dedication are to becoming great at something. They also keep me motivated to reach my goals and aspirations. They do whatever they can to help me."

As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?

"During the recruiting process, I am looking for a high academic school with an equally competitive basketball program. I’m looking for a school that has the major I want to study. Ultimately a college that feels like home."

What are your expectations heading into junior year?

"My expectations for my junior year are extremely high. I think as a team we are one of, if not, the best 3A team in the state with the majority of our team returning. I think that we will win another district championship, as well as win our first state championship. As an individual, I plan on taking on a bigger role especially scoring the ball. I believe my junior season I can show a lot of people how good of a player I am. My goal is to make first team All-State."

Thank you Gabe for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation?Any last words?

"I would just like to say believe in your goal no matter what adversity you go through to get there and enjoy the journey as much as the final result. Thank you again Tyreese for doing this interview with me!"