In June of 2017, we ran an inspiring story of “The Big Man with a Big Heart” referring to 6’10” Gilbert Talbot.  The story told of a young man that first stepped onto a basketball court his Freshman year of high school in Houma.  The story also told of a young man whose path hasn’t always been clear, but from that first squeak of his tennis shoes on the basketball gym floor, knew that basketball would be a part of his journey.  Gilbert graduated from LSUA in May 2017 and immediately signed a contract to begin his professional basketball career.  During his college career, he averaged 10.4 points per game, was named All Red River Athletic Conference 1st team 2016-17 and Conference tournament Co-MVP.  He was named Red River Conference Player of the Week December 4, 2017 and again February 6, 2017.  The NAIA also named him Player of the Week February 7, 2017.

But life is full of ups and downs, and about a year into his professional career overseas, an old shoulder injury re-manifested itself and Gilbert had to return to the States to undergo shoulder surgery.  The surgery put his career on hold, but he was determined to come back better than ever—a new and improved Gilbert.  He worked harder than he has ever worked to get back on the court. When he finally made it to Finland to play on their team, he made his presence known.  In last week’s play, he was named 1st Division Player of the Week for a game in which he scored a double-double of 30 points and 21 rebounds, and was recognized as the top player in his first season with the team.  The article, which can be found at the Eurobasket website, states “Louisiana State University of Alexandria graduate has very impressive states this year.”  Gilbert leads the league in rebounds with 15.7 rebounds per game and averages a 59.6 field goal percentage.

Coach Cordaro had this to say regarding Gilbert’s success: “We are happy to see all of Gilbert’s hard work paying off. He has been relentless in his basketball pursuit and it shows. Proud to see him playing professionally and representing LSUA globally. I know that he is enjoying this experience and looks to build off it. He is paving the way for future Generals.”

Gilbert is a fine example of the type of talent that the LSUA basketball program attracts.  Coach Cordaro and his staff would like to invite everyone to The Fort on the campus of LSUA and see the Generals in action!