Skill Development is the Key for Gibson

Ivan McDowell
Mid-South/Southeast Editor

Xavier Gibson, pictured here at the recent Memorial Day Classic in Nashville, TN

June 21, 2006 - Nestled conveniently on the Alabama border of Georgia lays Columbus, home of the traveling AAU squad known as the Blazers.

This close proximity to the state of Alabama has afforded Coach Tony Adams the luxury of securing one of the souths fastest rising big men in Xavier Gibson.

Standing 6’10”, this long and lean student-athlete is from Dothan, Alabama, a short distance away and is currently the top ranked big man in the state.

“Xavier chose to come and play for us and we’re happy to have him”, says Adams. “Until recently, we weren’t affiliated with any shoe companies, so he really had no allegiance to anyone”.

Just a sophomore, Gibson still has a ways to go as far as his development, but like I said he’s just a sophomore. Xavier’s youth isn’t his only shortcoming at this time, but like the Whispers song says, “He’ll just get better with time”.

During the recent Nike Memorial Day Classic in Nashville, Gibson showed his innate ability to block shots and rebound, despite his slight frame.

“Xavier still needs to get stronger and work on his conditioning”, opined Adams.

Although a work in progress, Xavier works hard at improving himself on the court and in the weight room. Coach Adams also stated that Xavier is literally “hittin’ the ground running”, scuttling 2-3 miles per day.

On the court, this ascending sophomore is adding more depth and versatility to his game as we speak.

“He’s working on his perimeter game everyday”, exclaimed Adams. “We want him to expand his range and learn the wing”. That’s not good news for Georgia Blazer opponents.

Once Gibson learns the finer points of the small forward position, he will be virtually unstoppable. Adding to his already intimidating presence and coupled with his propensity to snag boards, enhanced wing skills would cause certain headaches and match up problems for foes on the hardwood.

While it is still very early in his recruitment, Xavier is not short on suitors to say the least. Schools from the SEC, ACC and other major conferences are all on the 2008 class member's list.

Xavier will have a few more chances this summer to display his improved skill set and defensive prowess for coaches and fans alike. You can catch him and his Blazers teammates on display at the Nike Peach Jam, the Super Showcase at Walt Disney World and the 17-U AAU nationals during the remainder of the summer.