Anthony Jaskulski, Notre Dame Recruiting, Rutgers Recruiting, Villanova Recruiting

CLASS OF 2011 INTRO: MALCOLM GILBERT

By Anthony Jaskulski

Malcolm Gilbert is a star-studded center that brings an explosive, aggressive package in the paint. He has a defensive attack that is very well developed and overly mature for his age. Some of his best plays can be noted on the defensive end, including blocked shots, aggressive rebounding and getting position.

Gilbert is apart of the 2011 class now after reclassifying when he transferred to the Academy of the New Church. The native of Smyrna (DE) previously attended St. Elizabeth HS in New Wilmington (DE) and has yet to decide on a school, although he is considering such schools as LaSalle, Delaware, Maryland, St. Joseph’s and Virginia to name a few, as well as Big East schools in Villanova, Notre Dame and Rutgers, with more and more likely to enter the picture once the summer evaluation period gets in full swing.

With so much time to develop and a big frame to work with, the 6-10, 210 pound big man, Gilbert, is a name you will be familiar with in the upcoming years of his college career.

Here is what Gilbert had to say in a Q&A segment following a game with his AAU squad, Team Final, last month:

Q. Is there anybody (college) you could see yourself playing for right now?

A. I’m just keeping my options open right now, and whatever comes along and seems like the right choice, I will take.

Q. Is it more difficult being a developing center then a guard or a wing? Is there much more work put into the process of becoming a college-ready big man?

A. I don’t really know how it works for the other positions, but I know it’s really hard trying to learn everything you need to know at the center position. There is never a time when you can slow down or take a break. You have to be ready on defense, and hustle up the court and be able to move on offense. It’s a tough job, and there is something new to learn everyday.

Q. Are you learning something everyday to add to your game?

A. You can always learn something new, and even if I’m watching a game on TV, I’m always learning something. You can never be perfect in basketball, and that means there is always something you can improve.

Q. What do you think separates your game from other big men?

A. I’m a pretty good player on defense and can get up to block shots. I definitely shot blocking and rebounding is something I got a lot better at.

Q. You averaged a near 12 blocked shots in high school last year. Is the art of altering a shot something you’ve always been good at?

A. Since I can remember, I’ve always been able to block shots. I just always had the hops, I guess you could say.

Q. Is there something you think you need to improve?

A. I think everything. Like I said, you can always get better, and from offense to defense and shooting, and everything else, there is always room to improve.

Q. Did you take a lot from your experience at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest this year?

A. Anytime I get the chance to play against as good as competition as every team there is, it’s definitely a bonus. It was just an entire weekend of top players I was going up against. It does nothing but help your game and make you better. And it’s a good experience to have too.

———————————————————
This Week’s Featured Ticket Deals:

NHL Playoff Ticket Deals

Best NBA Playoff Ticket Deals

Best New York Yankees Ticket Deals

Best Philadelphia Phillies Ticket Deals

Best Boston Red Sox Ticket Deals

——————————————————