Gilbert focused on getting better
One of the better uncommitted big men in the 2011 class is Malcolm Gilbert. The Academy of New Church (PA) High School product is known as a shot blocker who can impact on the game on defense as much as offense. Now Gilbert is focused on getting better going into the AAU circuit.
At 6-foot-10 and 210 pounds with extremely long arms, Gilbert has the look of a big time player. After an impressive junior season in which Gilbert showed great progress, he is matching his potential with production.
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"I think I have improved a lot," said Gilbert. "I still have things to work on in terms of post work, but I feel more confident on the post. Mostly I am working on my ball handling. It has improved since the end of the season with me working on my own time."
For Gilbert that added confidence is coming from a lot of hard work and knowledge of what it takes to succeed.
"It just comes from repetition," Gilbert explained of his confidence. "When you practice moves and footwork it gives you more confidence. On the post it always comes down to who is going to win the foot battle. Working on my footwork makes me more confident in executing moves."
On the recruiting trail Gilbert is simply taking things in stride. Unlike many of his peers, he doesn't look too much at things.
"My dad handles a lot of the recruiting information," said Gilbert. "Right now I am just working on getting better. I am not going to really worry about recruiting until my senior year."
Though right now Gilbert isn't too focused on recruiting, a lot of schools are focused on him.
"I've been hearing from different schools up and down the East Coast," Gilbert explained. "They have all been giving me calls. Schools in the area like St. Joe's and Drexel have been giving me calls. I have been getting a lot of letters as well."
While Gilbert isn't yet sure of the schools he will seriously consider, he does know what he will look for in a school when the time comes.
"I am just looking for a wonderful community and a place where I can gel with the players," said Gilbert. "I think chemistry is important on the court and off the court. Basketball is just only one aspect, so I am going to look at academics and what life will be like off the court."
Currently Gilbert is seen as the No 130 prospect in the nation and the No 17 center.