WORCESTER Wolves' new head coach Paul 'PJ' James has secured the services of 26-year-old former Buffalo State Bulls swingman Danny Gilbert. Gilbert is a 6' 6" guard forward who, in his senior year (2004-05) was part of the memorable Buffalo Bulls team that went on an improbable run to the Mid-American Conference Championship, beating Western Michigan in the semi-finals. In the MAC final, the Bulls lost in overtime to Ohio University on a tip-in by Leon Williams with 0.5 seconds remaining. Gilbert, considered to be one of the best defenders to ever don a Bulls' jersey, averaged 7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals his senior season whilst also setting the school record for games played in a career (118).
Upon graduating in 2005, he went on to sign a professional contract German second division team FC Schalke. In his one season in Germany, Gilbert averaged 18 points per game.
For the 2006-07 season, Gilbert signed for Guildford Heat, who were only in their second year of existence. A major coup for the side, Gilbert became a pivotal player in leading the club to its first ever league championship in the BBL; he averaged an impressive 16.85 points in 33.85 minutes per game. The Heat also won the BBL Cup during this season.
He returned for a second season to lead the Heat into the ULEB Cup, the club's debut in European competition. He aided the team to their first trophy of the season, picking up the BBL Cup Winners' Cup. They went on to win the BBL Trophy and the Play-Off Championship, in which Gilbert picked up the MVP Award.
"As soon as I knew I was going to be appointed Head Coach of the Worcester Wolves the first player I contacted was Daniel Gilbert. I recruited Daniel to the Guildford Heat outfit and he has proved to be one of the most talented all round players I have ever worked with." PJ said. "He is an exceptional defender and can score in many ways. Daniel was a very valuable piece of the Heat successful jigsaw. I am very excited about working with him once again."
Gilbert is joined by former Buffalo Bulls team-mate, 27- year-old point guard Rod Middleton. Middleton joined the Bulls a year after Gilbert and went on to beat his playing record, appearing in 122 games. In his senior year he averaged 12 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He recorded an impressive 79% from the free throw line and 41% from long range.
Rod's professional career saw him play in both the German Pro A League for MBC and prior to that for Clermont in the French Pro A. Rod is a 6'3" 210 pound athletic and strong combo-guard Rod participated in the national Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 2004- 2005 where Buffalo reached the second round. He was named MAC Defensive player of the Year for the 2005-2006 season by "Streets and Smiths" magazine. He was also part of the most successful class in school history, winning 55 games.
PJ said "Rod is a great floor leader who likes to fast break. He has the ability to break down defences and get into lane creating shots for himself and others. Rod is a good defender who takes pride in his defence., He has a great work ethic and plays hard on both ends of the court for the entire game. Rod will be a great addition to the Wolves team because he brings commitment, passion and a winning attitude. He is a team player whose only goal is to win and be successful".
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
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