Admon Gilder did everything that he could to help Texas A&M succeed last season.
That included playing a lot of minutes at point guard due to the Aggies being without a proven player at that position, thanks in large part to J.J. Caldwell being ruled ineligible.
And while Gilder didn’t reach his potential in having to play out of position, he still managed to finish as the team’s top assist man (3.9 apg) and second-leading scorer (13.7 ppg).
So, what happens when Gilder moves back to shooting guard this season?
That’s a thought that should keep Texas A&M opponents up at night.
Inside the Numbers
Even in having to play out of position a lot, Gilder’s scoring prowess couldn’t be held down.
The nearly 14 points per game average was impressive in and of itself, but it was his play down the stretch that turned heads around the league.
During a five-game stretch from late January to early February, this was his scoring output:
- 22 points in 80-76 win at Ole Miss
- 24 points in 81-77 loss at West Virginia
- 11 points in 68-54 loss vs. Vanderbilt
- 20 points in 85-73 win at LSU
- 22 points in 76-73 win vs. Missouri
Those four 20-plus point games during that string of games showed just how valuable Gilder can be on the offensive end of the floor.
And with an expanded role heading into his junior season, Gilder’s numbers could rise even further.
What They’re Saying
“That’s what he does best is score. Last year we were asking him to run offense and try to get us in offense, and I thought that took away from him.
He needs to catch and shoot because he’s a really good shooter. He’s a guy that can put it on the floor and get it in the paint to create his own shots, and now, he can focus on running his lane and scoring.”
– Texas A&M head coach Billy Kennedy on our Marching to Madness podcast this summer
Lovell’s Analysis
Gilder continues to be one of the most underrated players in the entire SEC.
It’s easy to understand why he flew under the radar last season due to the Aggies’ lackluster 16-15 record, but with expectations much higher this year, there’s a good chance that Gilder finally gets the credit he deserves.
Of course, the move back to shooting guard will give his game the biggest boost, but so will the addition of Caldwell as well as the return of D.J. Hogg.
Gilder is also a solid defender that will allow him to hold his own against some of the SEC’s top guards.
As long as Caldwell and Marquette transfer Duane Wilson are the answer at point guard for the Aggies, that should allow Gilder to break through and have a memorable junior year in College Station.
If he does, you better believe that Texas A&M will have a great shot at challenging for the SEC regular season crown.