Last week Freshman guard JT Gibson helped his University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks almost knock off the Gophers in non-conference action. “It was a close one,” said Gibson of his club’s three-point loss on the day after Thanksgiving at Williams Arena. He finished with 11 points, two assists and a steal. “We should have won the game…”
“It was exciting watching him play,” said Gibson’s mother, Rev. Tracey Gibson. “I just wished we could’ve gotten a win.”
Gibson, the Brooklyn Park native and Champlin Park High School graduate, is the only Minnesotan frosh and one of three state players on the Mavericks squad this season. The 6-3 guard is tied for the team lead in made three-pointers.
He and his teammates spent Thanksgiving at his home. “It was a great bonding experience,” said Gibson. “Having everybody at my house was a wonderful thing on Thanksgiving.”
“Just having my son home for Thanksgiving dinner was fabulous,” added his mom.
JT told the MSR that after last Friday’s contest, he’s slowly adjusting to college life both on and off the court. “It was a big transition, a lot harder than I thought it would be” referring to the speed of the college game. “Every day it’s getting better and better,” he added.
On his classes, “I felt I didn’t have to study in high school,” said Gibson. “It’s way more in college. The teachers are there to teach — they won’t help you unless you ask. It’s mostly on your own.”
Finally, all in all, Gibson is happy about his college choice of books and hoops. “I’ve just got to keep working — it will get better,” he said.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.