Northwestern State University of Louisana

Blue Ribbon Basketball Yearbook tabs Gooden as the SLC's preseason "Freshman of the Year." And make no mistake, Gooden is definitely a good'un.

At Akron Firestone HS: Gooden hails from the Buckeye state where he was named all-state as a senior, averaging 15 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and three steals. In addition to being Akron's "Player of the Year" in his senior season. Gooden earned first team all-league, all-district, and all-regional honors. In Scott's junior season, Akron Firestone reached the State Final Four in Div. I. Ohio's largest classification. The team was ranked No. 12 in the USA Today poll with a 23-3 record, and won the sectional, district and regional crowns. Gooden also lettered two years in baseball at Akron Firestone.

Personal: Scott is majoring in communications and wants to play pro basketball, then become a TV broadcaster. Gooden has an older brother Mark and a younger sister Melissa. His father Melvin works for Chrysler in Akron. Scott's former teammate Quinton Brooks now plays for Michigan State, and Andre Smith plays for Xavier (Ohio).