Brian Crownover, Pittsburgh Recruiting

ASHTON GIBBS READYING FOR PITT, BIG EAST

Pitt-bound guard working hard to prepare for the Big East

By Brian Crownover

Northern New Jersey is known for producing a ton of basketball talent and the Class of 2008 was no exception. Big East coaches often flock to this area to find players. Among the best players this year was University of Pittsburgh bound guard Ashton Gibbs from Seton Hall Prep.

Ashton had a strong senior season, averaging 23.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He finished his high school career as the school’s all time leading scorer with 1882 points. The NBE Basketball Report recently caught up with Ashton for his thoughts on his future with the Panthers as well as reflecting on his high school years.

NBE Basketball Report: What were your main reasons for choosing the University of Pittsburgh?

Ashton Gibbs: The coaching staff’s loyalty. They recruited me for a long time and I felt really comfortable.

NBE Basketball Report: Did their style of play have a big impact oo? How do you feel you fit in with that?

Ashton Gibbs: Yes, they run a three guard lineup basically and they dont just fastbreak but they slow the ball down as well. Thats how my high school team is so that was a key factor in choosing Pitt.

NBE Basketball Report: Did the fact that there are several Big East
programs in the New Jersey/New York (Seton Hall, Rutgers, St. John’s) area factor into your decision?

Ashton Gibbs: Yes, definitely I get a chance to play in front of my family a lot. That played a big factor in choosing Pitt.

NBE Basketball Report: What do you anticipate your role as next ear as well as the remainder of your career?

Ashton Gibbs: Hopefully I just come in and work and play as hard as I can
and try to help the team and contribute any way I can. Regardless of whether its playing the 1 or the 2.

NBE Basketball Report: What areas of your game did the Pittsburgh coaches or any other coaches say you should work on?

Ashton Gibbs: My strength and speed is the main thing. College is a totally different game than high school. Those are areas that a lot of players usually need to improve on coming out of high school.

NBE Basketball Report: What have you been doing to work on improving in those areas? Have you done anything extra since the end of the high school season?

Ashton Gibbs: I’ve been working everyday with a trainer dealing with strength and conditioning, but I’ve also been doing a lot of skill work.

NBE Bball Report: Are you going out to Pittsburgh for the summer?

Ashton Gibbs: Yes, I’m coming for summer school at the end of June.

NBE Basketball Report: You play against a lot of talented players in the North Jersey area? Do you feel that that has taken your game to a higher level?

Ashton Gibbs: Yes, definitely. Playing against great players a lot only
has gotten my game better and it will for years to come.

NBE Basketball Report: Who is the best player you’ve faced?

Ashton Gibbs: Andre Barrett (former Seton Hall guard)

NBE Basketball Report: You had the opportunity to play with your younger brother this year. What was that like? Was there anything you were able to teach him?

Ashton Gibbs: I had a lot of fun playing with him. I would just preach to
him that hard work pays off a lot and it all starts in practice.

NBE Basketball Report: Thank you for your time.

Brian Crownover is the Lead Recruiting Analyst for CAA Insider and frequent contributor for the NBE Basketball Report. Living in Philadelphia, Brian travels all over the east coast to bring readers coverage from numerous events and games.

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