Florida State University Athletics
Marcis Ponder Signs To Play Basketball For Head Coach Luke Loucks At Florida State
11/12/2025 5:23:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE – Marcis Ponder (The Gillion Academy/Team Breakdown) has signed a Grant in Aid to play basketball for Luke Loucks and his staff at Florida State University.
Ponder (7-0, 285) averaged 9.8 points and 9.6 rebounds , and 2.0 blocks while shooting .500 percent from the field as a junior at West Oaks Academy during his junior season.
"Florida State assistant coach Gerald Gillion has recruited me longer that anyone," said Ponder. When he made the switch to Florida State, he kept the same mindset. That says a lot because Florida State made me a priority. I'm going to Florida State where l am a priority and where I'm needed."
Ponder, a four star recruit, played in the 2025 Nike/Slam New York vs. New York game and in the NBPA Top 100 Camp during the summer of 2025. Ponder was the MVP of the Grind Session All-Star game in 2025. He led Team Breakdown to back-to-back national championship on the New Balance P32 circuit.
"I want to give thanks to my mom and Coach Jonathan Gajardo (JP) because I know without them I wouldn't be the man I am today," said Ponder. "Thanks to Coach JP for the countless days in the gym perfecting my craft to be the best Marcis Ponder I can be. This day has come and I am proud and excited to be a Seminole. Florida State has always been my dream school."
"Marcis Ponder was our first commitment in the 2026 class and was a priority for our staff from day one on the job," said Seminole head coach Luke Loucks. "He is one of the best center prospects in America and will make an immediate impact on our program. Marcis has an incredible mix of size, strength, and competitive fire.
"We are excited about his ability to patrol the paint on both sides of the ball and physically impact games the day he steps on campus."
QUOTES ON MARCIS PONDER
"Marcis brings talent, size, and relentless intensity. His attributes change games from day one. He was recruited by everyone, but his heart was garnet and gold. Coach Loucks and his staff did a great job recruiting him. Seminole fans will love Marcis Ponder."
Kenny Gillion
Head Coach, Gillion Academy
"Marcis Ponder is a talented and driven young man who stands out for his hard work, leadership, and passion for the game. On and off the court, he brings energy, focus, and a positive attitude that inspires those around him. Watching and being part of Marcis development the last four years have been great and we are very excited to see him continue his development at FSU.
Jonathan Gajardo (JP)
Assistant Coach, Team Breakdown
Ponder (7-0, 285) averaged 9.8 points and 9.6 rebounds , and 2.0 blocks while shooting .500 percent from the field as a junior at West Oaks Academy during his junior season.
"Florida State assistant coach Gerald Gillion has recruited me longer that anyone," said Ponder. When he made the switch to Florida State, he kept the same mindset. That says a lot because Florida State made me a priority. I'm going to Florida State where l am a priority and where I'm needed."
Ponder, a four star recruit, played in the 2025 Nike/Slam New York vs. New York game and in the NBPA Top 100 Camp during the summer of 2025. Ponder was the MVP of the Grind Session All-Star game in 2025. He led Team Breakdown to back-to-back national championship on the New Balance P32 circuit.
"I want to give thanks to my mom and Coach Jonathan Gajardo (JP) because I know without them I wouldn't be the man I am today," said Ponder. "Thanks to Coach JP for the countless days in the gym perfecting my craft to be the best Marcis Ponder I can be. This day has come and I am proud and excited to be a Seminole. Florida State has always been my dream school."
"Marcis Ponder was our first commitment in the 2026 class and was a priority for our staff from day one on the job," said Seminole head coach Luke Loucks. "He is one of the best center prospects in America and will make an immediate impact on our program. Marcis has an incredible mix of size, strength, and competitive fire.
"We are excited about his ability to patrol the paint on both sides of the ball and physically impact games the day he steps on campus."
QUOTES ON MARCIS PONDER
"Marcis brings talent, size, and relentless intensity. His attributes change games from day one. He was recruited by everyone, but his heart was garnet and gold. Coach Loucks and his staff did a great job recruiting him. Seminole fans will love Marcis Ponder."
Kenny Gillion
Head Coach, Gillion Academy
"Marcis Ponder is a talented and driven young man who stands out for his hard work, leadership, and passion for the game. On and off the court, he brings energy, focus, and a positive attitude that inspires those around him. Watching and being part of Marcis development the last four years have been great and we are very excited to see him continue his development at FSU.
Jonathan Gajardo (JP)
Assistant Coach, Team Breakdown
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