:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63389869/usa_today_10717429.0.jpg)
Man, ain’t this a double-edged sword.
Two days ago, we received word that Gilder had received clearance to continue his basketball career, which was fantastic news that was honestly not guaranteed. Then yesterday… he entered his name into the transfer portal.
I want to thank everyone for their encouraging words, prayers, and overall support in my time of discomfort. It's been a long journey dealing with my health and being away from the game I love. However, my doctor was able to tell me I am now able to resume my basketball career. pic.twitter.com/1GYTWXgYnU
— Admon Gilder (@hph_lilmon) April 7, 2019
Texas A&M’s Admon Gilder expected to transfer, source told @Stadium. Averaged 12.3 points per game and will be a grad transfer.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 9, 2019
The most important thing is the resurrection of Admon’s career. If he stays healthy, he’ll be an instant asset and can likely take his pick from a handful of successful programs that are poised to make a big run next year.
But man, we could have used him.
Gilder’s Time On Campus
The unfortunate truth is that we’re losing one of the best two-way guards in the SEC. Let’s take a quick look at his three-year career for Texas A&M Basketball.
Freshman Year
Gilder arrived on campus with an All-American HS pedigree, most of which was based on his ability to score from basically anywhere on the floor. That allowed him to contribute immediately, and he had a legitimately solid Freshman season on campus.
We also can’t forget his involvement in the miracle comeback against Northern Iowa, as he made multiple plays that single-handedly kept the dream alive.
Freshman Stats (avg): 20 minutes; 7 points (on 43/35/76 shooting splits), 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Sohpomore Year
Gilder’s second season was a far cry from the first, as a series of roster management issues effectively left the team without a point guard. This forced him to fill that role (and play out of position) for literally an entire season.
He responded really well, logging a ton of minutes and a ton of usage, and his play was the single biggest reason we stayed remotely relevant. He started 30 of 31 games, and at one point he played all 40 minutes for eight consecutive contests. Gilder was honored as the Aggies’ Most Outstanding Player by the A&M coaching staff at the conclusion of the season.
Sophomore Stats (avg): 35 minutes; 14 points (on 43/38/74 shooting splits), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
Junior Year
His best season on campus started with a bang, as Gilder played a dang near perfect game in a neutral site demolition of #11 West Virginia (23 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 0 turnovers.) If anything, his play was so reliable that a mid-season injury completely knocked the entire team into a tailspin, as we appeared to have no clue what to do without him.
He stepped up his defensive play a great deal this season, and was often functioning as the team’s primary stopper / assigned to guard the opposition’s most prolific scorer. Gilder wrapped up this season with three consecutive double-digit performances in the NCAA Tournament.
Junior Stats (avg): 32 minutes; 12 points (on 46/40/82 shooting splits), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
What Does It All Mean?
Buzz has even more work to do.
Like we laid out last week, the team has the following seven players currently returning on scholarship.
Guards: Wendell Mitchell (SR), TJ Starks (JR), Jay Jay Chandler (JR), Brandon Mahan (JR)
Forwards: Josh Nebo (SR), Savion Flagg (JR), John Walker (SO)
With six scholarships available, we have a wealth of options when it comes to filling the gaps in the current roster.
And Admon… best of luck wherever you land.