Gabe Tanner, a former Mid Valley standout, has announced his commitment to Florida Gulf Coast University for both academics and athletics. The senior guard at Perkiomen School confirmed his decision via social media. Florida Gulf Coast, a Division I program in the Atlantic Sun Conference, is Tanner’s new destination.
“I’m incredibly excited,” Tanner, 18, said. “The recruiting process has been long and stressful, but I’m thrilled with my choice. I had tremendous support from my family and coaches throughout this journey. Now, my focus is on basketball and preparing for the upcoming season.”
Before transferring to Perkiomen, Tanner was a standout at Mid Valley. In the 2021-22 season, he earned the Player of the Year title in Lackawanna Division III. Tanner averaged 13.7 points per game, leading the Spartans to the Division III championship, the District 2 Class 4A championship game, and the PIAA Class 4A first round. He also contributed 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
During his two seasons as a starter at Mid Valley, Tanner scored 560 points, averaging 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
In June 2022, Tanner enrolled at Perkiomen School, a college preparatory boarding school. The Perkiomen National Team, with Tanner, won the PAISAA championship in 2023 and 2024. As a reclassified sophomore, Tanner scored 19 points in the PAISAA championship game victory over George School.
Last season, Tanner contributed 19 points off the bench as Perkiomen defeated the Phelps School, 77-67, in the title game. Following the 2023-24 season, he was named to the Non-PIAA Schools All-State second team and the Mercury All-Area first team. Tanner averaged 12.7 points, four rebounds, four assists, and 1.5 steals per game, making 52 three-pointers.
Tanner’s impressive performance drew attention from several colleges, leading to scholarship offers from St. Joe’s, Binghamton, Bryant, Delaware, Fairfield, George Mason, La Salle, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rhode Island, and Temple.
Florida Gulf Coast University has a notable basketball history, including three NCAA Division I tournament appearances (2013, 2016, 2017) and a memorable Sweet Sixteen run in 2013. The Eagles have also won three ASUN conference regular-season titles and three ASUN conference tournament titles.
“I visited Florida Gulf Coast, and the coaches and staff were exceptional,” Tanner said. “They treated me and my family wonderfully. This is a dream come true. Now, I’m eager to win another championship and reach the national tournament at Perkiomen.”
