Interest growing for Gilstrap

The lineage is pretty good at Marietta (Ga.) High School. Patrick Ewing, Jr., Chris Ellis, Ezra Williams, Dion Glover and even retired NBA star Dale Ellis played for the Blue Devils. Junior guard Aaron Gilstrap is next.

The 6-foot-3, 175-pound shooting guard is doing his part for his program this season. Gilstrap is coming off a career-high 35 points against a quality opponent. For the year, Gilstrap is averaging 24 points a game for Marietta (10-4). Those are the kind of numbers former Marietta players put up before going to the next level.

"I didn't really grow up in this system but I know the guys that have come through here," Gilstrap said.

The history of the program is strong, he knows that, but Gilstrap is more concerned with the now. Gilstrap says his motivation is the players around him both locally and nationally.

"My mind going into games is looking at the guys that are ranked higher than me," he said. "I've played against a lot of them and I feel like I need to make a statement. I know I'm better than them."

College recruiters think he's pretty good, too. Gilstrap unofficially visited South Carolina for the Tennessee game last Sunday.

"It was really good. They seemed like they are very interested," Gilstrap said. "I want to see what kind of doors can open up there."

Gilstrap said USC head coach Dave Odom and assistant Ken Potosnak have been down to see him play this year.

Gilstrap has also unofficially visited Georgia. Like USC, the coaching staff has been on the sidelines to see Gilstrap play this season. So has Miami head coach Frank Haith, NC State assistant Larry Harris and Auburn assistant Brandon Johnson.

The four schools are tops on Gilstrap's list, he says. Location isn't a factor, either.

"It's really going to be the best school for me," he said. "Where can I play right away? If it means it's close to home, than that is what it is. It doesn't matter to me."

So does one school sound out above the rest at this point?

"I like NC State," Gilstrap said. "Coach Harris has been down two times this season and he's mentioned to me to coach (Herb) Sendek. Coach Harris said he really likes me and that he has a major say-so in their scholarship situation. They just need coach Sendek to come and see me. I feel like they really want me."

Gilstrap said he had originally planned on making an early commitment but will likely wait until after the summer before picking a school.