MBB's Gillespie Earns Scholarship
5/17/2018 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
WACO, Texas -- Baylor men's basketball junior forward Freddie Gillespie has earned a scholarship, head coach Scott Drew announced Thursday.
A 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward, Gillespie joined the Bears as a walk-on prior to the 2017-18 season after spending two years at Division III Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. He sat out this past season to satisfy NCAA transfer requirements, and he has two years of eligibility remaining starting with the 2018-19 season.
"Freddie is a hard worker both on and off the court. He's great in the classroom and he's a terrific teammate," Drew said. "He was dedicated to his role on the scout team last season, and we're excited about him earning a scholarship and continuing to contribute to our team's success."
A St. Paul, Minn., native, Gillespie first played organized basketball in eighth grade. He missed the majority of two seasons with injuries while at East Ridge High School in Woodbury, Minn. Gillespie enrolled at Carleton College in 2015 and played in four games as a freshman during the 2015-16 season. He totaled four points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 16 total minutes.
He had a breakout sophomore season in 2016-17, earning All-MIAC and All-MIAC Defensive Team honors after playing in 27 games and making 23 starts for the Knights. He averaged 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 22.8 minutes per game, leading the MIAC with 69 blocked shots. His numbers were even better in the second half of the season, as his output increased to 11.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He posted a career-high 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting vs. Saint Mary's on Jan. 25, 2017.
Gillespie elected to transfer to the Division I level in the summer of 2017. He enrolled at Baylor as a preferred walk-on and participated as a member of the Bears' scout team. Gillespie has a 7-foot-6 wingspan and his hands are 10.75" wide, both of which led the Bears' 2017-18 squad.
Baylor basketball 2018-19 season ticket renewals are available online starting Friday, May 18. The deadline to renew season tickets is Monday, June 18. Significant changes were made to enhance the Ferrell Center atmosphere, with upper arena seating and some lower arena seating now classified as General Admission. Season tickets are available starting at $175 with no required seat option (donation).
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