Prospect Watch: Koray Gilbert (2017)
Class of 2017 shooting guard Koray Gilbert of Vashon is a silent offensive weapon on an otherwise loaded Wolverines teams. The Wolverines have returned to prominence with players such as 6’8″ Kansas State-bound post player Levi Stockard, clutch point guard…
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Continue ReadingClass of 2017 shooting guard Koray Gilbert of Vashon is a silent offensive weapon on an otherwise loaded Wolverines teams.
The Wolverines have returned to prominence with players such as 6’8″ Kansas State-bound post player Levi Stockard, clutch point guard Daniel Farris and super sophomore Mario McKinney. The rangy 6’3″ Gilbert has also been a big key to Vashon’s success with his versatile set of offensive skills. He hasn’t been overlooked by the colleges as the likes of UMKC, Oral Roberts, Bradley, Drury, Northwest Missouri State, Quincy and Central Missouri have shown plenty of interest.
“I feel that he will be a steal for any school,” said Vashon coach Tony Irons. “He is very athletic and a knock down shooter that is going to have great success at the next level.”
Gilbert could easily be one of the area’s leading scorers on most teams, but he fits in his talents well on a Vashon team that has plenty of options. He averages about 10 points a game on a well-balanced Vashon team that is currently 15-2 and ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 4. He is a talented wing player who has the ability to score at all three levels. He can swoop to the hoop for finger roll layups, pull up and convert a nice mid-range jumper or he can knock down 3-pointers with consistency.
“I can shoot the 3-pointer and I have a good mid-range jumper,” Gilbert said. “I also like using my athleticism to make highlight plays.”
Gilbert has also shown the ability to make big plays on the biggest stages. In last year’s state semifinals, Gilbert scored 17 points in the Wolverines’ overtime victory over Sikeston. Gilbert made five consecutive 3-pointers in the third quarter. Vashon went on the win the state championship the following night against St. Joe Lafayette.
“It was exciting because it was my first time actually being in that type of environment,” Gilbert said. “Playing in it and doing well made it very exciting for me.”
Said Irons, “Koray is an incredible kid with an insurmountable amount of potential. He is a gym rat and he has been really playing with a lot of confidence. When he plays at a high level, he makes our team tough to beat.”