Keshon Gilbert’s basketball journey is one of resilience, growth, and success. From his high school days to his senior campaign at Iowa State, he has consistently proven himself as a valuable player
With his combination of skill, leadership, and determination, Gilbert’s future in basketball looks promising.
Whether at the professional level or in another capacity, his impact on the game will continue to be felt for years to come.
Keshon Gilbert’s basketball journey, from St. Louis to the collegiate stage, is a story of resilience and determination.
His ability to adapt, improve, and compete at the highest levels sets him apart as a player to watch in the coming years.
Whether in college basketball or the professional ranks, Gilbert’s impact on the game is undeniable, and his future looks bright.
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Table of Contents
Keshon Gilbert: Who Is He?
Keshon Gilbert’s journey to becoming a standout college basketball player started long before his time at Iowa State.1
Born with a passion for the game, Gilbert displayed exceptional talent from a young age.
He attended both Vashon High School and Durango High School, where he made significant contributions to their basketball programs.
During his junior year at Durango High School, Gilbert led his team to the state tournament for the first time in 17 years. His leadership and skill on the court quickly made him a standout player.
In his senior campaign, he transferred to Vashon High School, where he helped secure a state championship. These achievements solidified his reputation as one of the top point guards in his class.
Early Life and High School Career
Following his high school success, Gilbert garnered attention from several college programs. ESPN rated him as a three-star recruit and ranked him as the No. 29 point guard in the 2021 recruiting class.
Despite receiving multiple offers, he chose to commit to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), eager to make an impact in their program.
Gilbert attended Durango High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he played a crucial role in revitalizing the basketball program. As a junior, he led Durango to the state tournament for the first time in 17 years. His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts and coaches across the country.
During his sophomore year at Durango, Gilbert showcased his all-around game, averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest. His ability to lead on both ends of the court made him one of the most exciting prospects in his class.
For his senior year, Gilbert transferred to Vashon High School in Missouri, a powerhouse known for producing elite basketball talent. The transition proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, as he helped lead Vashon to a state championship while averaging 13.2 points per game.
Keshon Gilbert: Career
Freshman Year at UNLV: Adjusting to College Basketball
Gilbert’s freshman season at UNLV was a period of growth and adjustment. As a young point guard, he had to adapt to the increased speed and physicality of college basketball.2
While he did not immediately take on a starring role, he gained valuable experience coming off the bench.
His defensive tenacity and court vision impressed coaches and teammates alike. By the end of his freshman season, Gilbert had established himself as a reliable contributor and a promising talent for the Rebels.
Breakout Sophomore Season
- Gilbert’s sophomore year was a turning point in his collegiate career. Given more playing time, he seized the opportunity and delivered impressive performances throughout the season.
- Appearing in 31 games, he averaged 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
- His ability to score, distribute the ball, and defend at a high level made him one of the key players for UNLV.
- During this season, he recorded multiple 20-point games and displayed his clutch ability in crucial moments.
- His progress did not go unnoticed, and he started receiving recognition within the Mountain West Conference.
- With his confidence growing, Gilbert decided to explore new opportunities and transferred to Iowa State for the 2023 season.
- The transition to a new program can be challenging for any player, but Gilbert adapted quickly to the Cyclones’ system.
- Iowa State provided him with the platform to compete in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, the Big 12.
- The move proved to be a wise decision, as he immediately became a key player for the team.
Junior Year at Iowa State: A Historic Season
Gilbert’s junior year at Iowa State was nothing short of remarkable. He started all 37 games, tying the record for the most starts in Cyclones’ history.
His consistency and leadership on the court helped guide Iowa State through a challenging season.
By the end of the year, Gilbert’s efforts earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team. He showcased his all-around game, finishing the season with averages of 13.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
His ability to perform at a high level against elite competition proved that he belonged among the best guards in the conference.
Senior Season: Taking His Game to the Next Level
Now in his senior season, Gilbert has continued to elevate his game. As of March 2025, he has played 29 games, maintaining impressive averages of 13.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds.
His leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in Iowa State’s success this season.
Gilbert’s experience and maturity have made him a mentor for younger players on the team.
His ability to make clutch plays in key moments has further solidified his reputation as one of the top point guards in the Big 12.
Keshon Gilbert: Strengths and Playing Style
Gilbert’s game is built on a solid foundation of skill, intelligence, and effort.3
Some of his key strengths include:
- Scoring Ability: He has developed into a reliable scorer, capable of finishing at the rim and knocking down mid-range jumpers.
- Court Vision: As a point guard, Gilbert excels in creating opportunities for his teammates with precise passing and smart decision-making.
- Defense: His defensive intensity and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
- Leadership: Over the years, he has grown into a leader who can rally his teammates and set the tone for the game.
Areas for Improvement
While Gilbert has shown tremendous growth, there are still areas where he can improve:
- Three-Point Shooting: Although he is a capable shooter, increasing his three-point efficiency will make him an even bigger offensive threat.
- Consistency: Maintaining high performance levels throughout the season is crucial for his continued development.
- Turnover Reduction: As a primary ball handler, reducing turnovers will enhance his effectiveness as a floor general.
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Keshon Gilbert: NBA Prospects and Future Outlook
As Gilbert nears the end of his collegiate career, the question arises: What’s next for him? Given his skill set, he has the potential to attract attention from professional teams.
Whether he declares for the NBA Draft or explores opportunities overseas, his work ethic and dedication suggest a bright future.
Scouts have praised his defensive abilities, leadership, and court awareness. If he continues to refine his shooting and decision-making, he could find a role at the professional level.
Gilbert’s performances in high school led to recruitment from several top-tier college basketball programs. He ultimately chose to play for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Runnin’ Rebels, where he looked to continue developing his skills at the collegiate level.
Legacy at Iowa State and UNLV
Gilbert’s impact on both UNLV and Iowa State cannot be overstated. He played a crucial role in UNLV’s resurgence and helped Iowa State remain competitive in the Big 12.
His journey from a three-star recruit to a collegiate standout is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.
Future generations of Cyclones and Rebels players will look up to him as an example of what can be achieved through dedication and commitment.
Throughout his high school career, Gilbert was known for his defensive tenacity, scoring ability, and leadership on the court.
His standout performances earned him recognition from various recruiting agencies and college programs. He was ranked among the top players in his class and received multiple scholarship offers.
Keshon Gilbert: Personal Life
Beyond basketball, Gilbert is known for his humility and dedication to his community.
He often participates in basketball camps and mentorship programs, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
His journey serves as a testament to the importance of hard work, perseverance, and self-belief.
Gilbert is known for his aggressive defensive approach, quick first step, and ability to create plays for his teammates. His playing style is reminiscent of elite two-way guards who excel on both ends of the floor.
One of Gilbert’s biggest strengths is his defense. He has the ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and apply constant pressure on opponents.
His defensive intensity often leads to fast-break opportunities for his team.
Off-Court Contributions
Offensively, Gilbert has a well-rounded game. He can score off the dribble, hit mid-range jumpers, and finish at the rim with finesse or power.
His ability to facilitate and create for teammates makes him a valuable asset on any team.
Gilbert has shown leadership qualities throughout his basketball journey.
His willingness to put in extra work, stay composed under pressure, and motivate his teammates sets him apart as a player with great potential.
As Gilbert continues his collegiate career, his sights are set on playing professional basketball. Many analysts believe he has the potential to make it to the NBA, given his skill set and work ethic.
If he continues to develop his game, refine his shooting, and showcase his ability to lead, he could be a sought-after prospect for professional teams.
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