One of Raleigh’s top unsigned seniors is now off the board, with Millbrook star Ashton King committing to Gardner-Webb University. King’s recruitment wasn’t off to a hot start early on in high school; however, after transferring to the Wildcats from Myers Park for the 2024-25 season, King averaged 23.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2 steals per game. These numbers and the winning streak he led Millbrook on piqued the interest of several schools.
King was recruited by a mix of D1, D2, and JuCo schools, but had the best connection with Gardner-Webb. “{I picked Gardner-Webb because} I felt like the coaching staff and I had a great connection,” said King. “The assistant coaches have been talking to me for a long time now, checking in on me. Gardner Webb is also far from home but close enough where I can have family around.”
King took an unofficial visit to Gardner-Webb earlier in 2025, which helped influence his decision. At Gardner-Webb, King will play in the Big South Conference, facing off against schools like High Point, Charleston Southern, and Presbyterian College. High-level competition has King excited for college basketball: “{I’m excited to be} playing against some elite guys. I feel like it’ll be fun.”
King’s goals coming into college are simple: win. Gardner-Webb had an off year in 2024, going 11-20 on the season. For King, he wants to make sure his team is one of the best, year after year. “I want to win at the highest level. Make it to the NCAA tournament.”
Post-college, King wants to turn pro and see how far basketball will take him. But for the next four years, his eyes are focused on dominating Division One basketball. It’ll be an exciting ride, and if you don’t watch Big South Athletics, next year might be a good time to start doing so.
