Yeah the big missing part of the equation was I couldn't remember his agility level. Yes, if agile he would have made a great defender, possibly a less versatile Rodman. Rodman was only a little taller and was built on defense and rebounding. Gathers was probably stronger, with Rodman more athletic. I make that comparison because I dont really see Gathers having much offensive versatility on an NBa level. But with enough strength agility being of some value in defense and rebounding. Loyola Marymount had an offense not easily converted to 1990 NBA. So a lot is unknown. Mid 1st ed might be the best possible projection. Derrick Coleman went 1ST that year. Although since Coleman had almost no work ethic. AND Gathers was all work ethic. It would made a fun comp 10 years later on where they ended up at.
But yeah Gathers had some strengths that would have played. I just dont know if he were translatable to starter level or would been at home as a sort of tweener forward who is kind of a 1st or 2nd frontcourt player off the bench.