PicoBlog

They call him “The Ticket.” For Davonte Ticket Gaines, his college basketball journey has now led him to his final stop, after stints at both Tennessee and George Mason. What most people in Friartown probably don’t know is how the name “Ticket” came to life back in his native Buffalo. 

Gaines was an impressive high school player at Health Sciences Charter School before transferring to Hargrave Military Academy after graduation. The name “Ticket” was derived from the twenty-two double-doubles, four triple-doubles, and three quadruple-doubles Gaines posted his senior year alone. This is obviously how Ticket was able to make his way freshman year to SEC basketball and his initial commitment to Tennessee, it’s these same intangibles – from Ticket being able to do a little bit of everything on the court from high school ball – that has me excited to see a new #0 take the floor for the Friars Monday night.

Kevin posted some great junior year (and senior year) highlights of Ticket back in September that I have dived into multiple times now. When George Mason played #6 Kansas back on Jan. 6, 2022, I think Friar fans would be delighted to be reminded Ticket had 15 points and 12 rebounds on 62% shooting from the floor. What stood out first is his motor. For as many threes as we saw Ticket drain in his footage, his ability to get rebounds and second chances in traffic caught my eye. Don’t let his slender frame fool you, he is a tough guard down in the low post when fighting for rebounds with his long frame and innate ability to establish position down low. Ticket posted 17 rebounds back on Feb. 2, 2022 against St. Louis, who we know is a formidable opponent after the Friars fell to them last year. After the departure of Will McNair Jr. in September Ticket posted online that he could guard fives if need be, and there may be some truth to that. 

Next is his tall release and stepping into three point shots. When looking at Ticket’s three point attempts, his high arching release off catch and shoot situations and running off screens is very appealing. His footwork and ability to get open for someone his size is not the same, but reminiscent of AJ Reeves. Last season, Ticket hit about the same clip Reeves did his senior year at George Mason (2.1 – 5.8 vs. 2.2 – 5.7) on shots from three. At a legit 6’7 the extra height and length will only help Gaines as he looks to replicate those same three point shooting numbers in the Big East.

Speaking of that length, Gaines has the potential to bully smaller guards with his length and size out on the perimeter, and despite being bigger than most guards, he can keep up with smaller point guards or combo guards off the dribble. Similar to the type of player we saw in the Cooley recruiting era, Ticket is the prototypical 6’7 inside/outside dual threat. I’m looking forward to seeing him in lineups opposite Bryce Hopkins, Devin Carter and Corey Floyd Jr. where he is playing multiple positions, sometimes posting up as the four while other times coming off screens, or staying out behind the three-point line. 

Lastly, Gaines’ ability to thrive in an up-tempo style of play is no doubt one of the reasons he decided to follow Kim English to the Friars. Ticket has some great finishing ability and he is able to reach the hoop in just a couple dribbles in transition. Ticket will be scary in the open court, as he is able to remain in control when advancing on the fast-break and can finish over defenders with his long arms. I am excited to see this type of a hybrid role for the Friars this year, as mostly a sixth man with an occasional start or two – a glue guy who can get the necessary stop on defense that leads to a transition three or big finish. Gaines was the exact type of experienced transfer the Friars needed to stabilize the roster opposite Hopkins and Carter, and I know he will be worth the price of admission every night he suits up for PC this year. 

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