Oti Gildon only has a few more months before she starts the next chapter of her prolific basketball career. It will begin with a drive down south from Spokane to Eugene.
According to ESPN’s HoopGurlz, Gildon (No. 38 in 2015 class) is the highest ranked recruit the Ducks have ever landed.
The Ducks, who are coming off a 13-17 season, will be looking to put Gildon’s talents to work right away.
Gonzaga Prep finishes season undefeated. @OtiGildon is a winner. That’s all she knows–gonna be a big-time Duck pic.twitter.com/8Xwems9Bpk
— Kelly Graves (@GoDucksKG) March 8, 2015
Gildon chatted with the Emerald last week about the Ducks and her upcoming transition to college ball.
What about Oregon drew you in and what appealed to you the most?
“When I went on my visit there, it just felt right. I really enjoyed the team and the location, it was close to home, but not too close, so I could still have that on-my-own feel. Coach Graves and the whole staff going there, it really helped out a lot. They’re awesome.”
Going undefeated at Gonzaga Prep and also being back-to-back state champs, how much confidence does that give you heading into college?
“It gives me a lot of confidence. I still know that I have a lot to work on. I’m going to be playing the forward position in college, obviously I’m not that tall. So I just have to keep working on my skills, but I’m just so excited to move up to that next level.”
Do you have any early goals for next year? Either for the team or personally.
“Just a personal goal, just keep doing well and expand my play. In college, our team goal is making it to the tournament and always working hard.”
From watching the Ducks this season, did any moments stand out to you?
“Just the upsets they got over the season. It makes me feel like if we can continue to play that hard each game, I think we could do really well the Pac-12.”
Which future teammates did you bond with while visiting and being around the team?
“Lexi Bando, Katie Gruys and Jillian [Alleyne] and I had a really good time on my visit with Katelyn Loper, but she won’t be there next year. I’m just excited to meet the whole team and begin to develop relationships with them.”
What kind of things off-the-court are you looking forward to in the high school to college transition?
“I’m really excited for a college experience and learning my way around campus, while meeting new people and making new friends for the next four or five years.”
Having known the Graves family for so long, how excited were you when he took the job at Oregon?
“I was really excited. I go to school with their son, Jack. He’s in my grade. He will be going to Oregon too. And then Max graduated a couple of years ago, so I knew him pretty well. It means so much to have a relationship with their family and I’m excited to keep it going over the next four years.
Any other thoughts?
“I’m excited to get there finally this summer and get to know my way around and see a few football games.”
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne
