Courtesy: UNBC Timberwolves

By CKPG News

UNBC COMMIT

MBB: College All-Star Josh Gillespie says yes to TWolves for 2023-2024

May 19, 2023 | 11:38 AM

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PRINCE GEORGE– He can play any position, at any time, in any situation, and he’s ready to bring his dynamic, well-rounded game to the Canada West conference. Today, University of Northern British Columbia Men’s Basketball added a big piece to the 2023-2024 roster, officially announcing the commitment of Meridian, Idaho product Josh Gillespie.

“This feels amazing. Having Coach Todd (Jordan) and Coach Aaron (Brouwer) reach out to me and show interest. They drove all the way to my game in Washington to watch me play.”

A 2022-2023 Northwest Athletic Conference All-Star with Walla Walla Community College, Gillespie has three years of eligibility remaining at the U SPORTS level. Always looking to grow his game and elevate himself to take on all challenges, the six-foot-four forward identified the highest level of Canadian university basketball as an ideal step in his hardcourt career.

“Being able to go throughout Canada and travel around and see the scenery, while also playing at a high level. Playing the sport I love, and the sport I have been playing since I was five years old. Coach Todd has been taking me through the ins and the outs of his offense and defense, and everything he is showing me, I love.”

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A star at Garden Valley High School for coach Joel Lafleur, Gillespie won a state championship in 2021. He then made an immediate impact at Walla Walla in his freshman season in 2021-2022, averaging 15.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

In 2022-2023, he earned a NWAC Second Team All-Conference honour for his 17.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 1.6 SPG season. Gillespie is confident that his two years of college basketball will be crucial in a smooth transition to the Canada West level.

“Playing at Walla Walla the last two years has really opened my eyes to how fast-paced and physical the game is at the next level, and how mentally sharp you have to be throughout the season.”

UNBC coach Todd Jordan identified Gillespie early in the recruiting process, acknowledging his newest player’s winning pedigree, hunger to keep growing, and overall game as a major asset to the Timberwolves lineup next season.

“We are very happy about the addition of Josh to our program. Josh is a winner. He has a history of winning as a state champion in Idaho, and also with a successful junior college team at Walla Walla. Josh will bring some inside scoring touch to our lineup and he is an efficient scorer, shooting almost 60 percent from the field last season. He will also help us on the glass as he averaged 8 rebounds a game last season. I am really excited to welcome Josh to our team.”

Standing fix-foot-four, Gillespie is long-limbed and moves like a guard at both ends of the floor. An efficient scorer in the post, he has proven to be a willing shooter from long-range, and can defend at all three levels.

A product of the Idaho Premier club program, where he trained with coach Collin Grove, the 20-year-old will likely slot into a power forward role with the TWolves, with the ability to play up and down the lineup.

“Throughout high school, I was more of a 2-3 shooting guard. In college, I played more of the four, playing in the post inside, shooting the jump hook. I believe I am very coachable and, at the same time, I am a six-foot-four, long, athlete player who can block shots.”

Gillespie will enroll UNBC’s business program, and join his new Timberwolves teammates for training camp in Prince George in August,

“I have been playing ever since I can remember. Every time I step on to the court, it brings a peace and quiet to my mind. Being able to compete with other people who have the same love for the game. I am very excited to compete at the next level in Canada, and prove to everyone who has shown me nothing but love throughout this journey, that I can do a lot more than I already have.”