By Chad Courrier
Free Press Staff Writer
MANKATO —
Andre Gilbert’s college basketball journey has seen its share of success and problems.
He’s played Division I basketball at two universities, playing alongside a couple of NBA players, and he’s survived a sexual-assault trial that could have changed his life dramatically.
“Everybody has hardships, and I’ve been through a lot,” Gilbert said. “I knew if I continued to work hard, I would be rewarded. I just have to keep being passionate about basketball.”
Gilbert, a 6-foot-8, 205-pound guard, has transferred to Minnesota State and will play his final season for the Mavericks.
“I expect a lot out of him,” Minnesota State coach Matt Margenthaler said. “He’s talented, long, athletic ... he can play four positions, which helps us replace some of the guys who are gone. He has the maturity to step in and help us right away.”
Gilbert went to high school at Park Center, then chose South Dakota State, where he redshirted his first year. He played 20 games, averaging 8.9 points, but midway through his freshman season, he and a teammate were charged with sexual assault on a member of the Jackrabbits’ volleyball team. The two were acquitted during a summer trial, and Gilbert left for Mt. San Jacinto (Calif.) College.
“That was a long time ago, and everything was cleared up (at South Dakota State),” Margenthaler said. “I wouldn’t bring him here if I had any concerns.”
Before his junior season, Gilbert transferred to Kansas State, where he played with Michael Beasley and Bill Walker, both of whom were drafted the next summer. He averaged 3.9 points and 2.5 rebounds, playing in two NCAA tournament games, but he had issues with coach Frank Martin. Gilbert began looking elsewhere, unable to transfer to another Division I program because of NCAA rules.
He ended up sitting out for two years, living in California, before choosing Minnesota State. He got advice about the program from former Mavericks players Paris Kyles and Jamel Staten.
“I think it’s a good fit,” Gilbert said. “It’s close to home. It’s my last year so I thought it would be good to come back and play in front of my family and friends.”
Margenthaler said Gilbert will play at shooting guard or small forward, making him a tough matchup in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
“I think I’ll bring a lot of personality to the team,” he said. “You’ll always see me smiling. I want to help bring a championship to Minnesota State.”
