Gavin Carufel
@gavin_carufel
IG: @gavin_carufel
5’11, 165 lbs, Class of 2027
River Falls, WI
Gavin Carufel is a dynamic offensive weapon with an electric shooting stroke that makes defenses pay from beyond the arc with his lethal shooting. Whether catching and firing or pulling up off the dribble, his ability to knock down threes is a game-changer. But Gavin is far from just a perimeter threat as his crafty handle and shifty footwork allow him to explode by defenders, spin into the mid-range, and create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Gavin’s court vision and passing instincts keep defenses honest, making him a playmaking guard who can facilitate an offense while still being a scoring threat.
Gavin's biggest improvement this past season was evolving from a pure catch-and-shoot player to a downhill attacker. The ability to put the ball on the floor and create for others has added another demotion to his game, but Gavin knows there’s still more to unlock. Gavin’s next focus is finishing stronger over bigger defenders, turning those drives into points instead of kick-outs. A defining moment this season came when his shot wasn’t falling early on, but he stayed locked in, eventually catching fire for a season-high 13 points with three triples against Heritage Christian. That determination and resolve speak volumes about Gavin’s relentless mindset to help his team win. What fuels Gavin’s fire in the locker room is music locks in his focus, and when adversity strikes, he stays composed, resetting with deep breaths instead of frustration. The best advice Gavin ever received is, "Have a reset switch because, in basketball, short-term memory is key."
As he heads into the AAU season with Wisconsin Playmakers E32, Gavin’s mindset is to win. Gavin thrives in high-level competition and is hyped for the New Balance circuit as his proving ground. With an eye on stepping into a bigger scoring role for his high school team next season, the Midwest Players Classic is already on his radar. Gavin is determined not just to compete but to walk away victorious.
I assess that Gavin’s blend of shooting and playmaking makes him a valuable asset for any next-level program. His ability to hit threes at a high clip forces defenders to close out hard, and now that he’s attacking off the bounce, Havin is becoming even more difficult to guard. As he continues to develop his finishing ability, his offensive impact will be even more complete. What separates him is his poise under pressure; he doesn’t let adversity rattle him, and his natural feel for the game allows him to make wise decisions under pressure.
Expect Gavin to keep pushing his limits. With his hunger for competition and relentless drive to improve, he’s poised for a breakout stretch. As he continues evolving his scoring and elevating his ability to take over games, Gavin has the potential to be a nightmare matchup in any backcourt.
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