Q&A with FGB Kailyn Gilbert (2022).

Rewind back the fall of 2018. NYGhoops Report traveled to the “Sunshine State” to take in the Best of Florida Individual Showcase.  

That crispy October morning produced two huge lifelong memories.  The first memory was the opportunity to sit and “work” in the high school gym of the recently retired Vince Carter and second memory was the number “60”.  To the point that people at the event kept asking “who is number 60?” or “did you see that 60 girl?”.  As it turns out, number “60” belonged to a 5’8” guard from Tampa Tech HS.  Now fast forward two years later and although her number is no longer “60” many people and defenders are asking “Who is that? or “Did you see that girl?”, but now we are able to say “her name is Kailyn Gilbert”.

Recently, we has the opportunity to speak to Tampa Prep HS (FL) star guard where she according to MaxPrep.com averaged 27 ppg as a freshman only to add 5 points per game to her scoring average as a sophomore.  It is safe to see why so many of the nations top programs are taking notice of this 2022 guard who as a part of the FGB Travel Club where she is coached by her father (David Gilbert). NYGHR got a hold of the talented guard this past sunday to do a Q&A Style inverview. 

 

 
Q&A
 
 
How was your AAU experience playing with Coach?
 
Playing AAU under my father is a blessing but sometimes is very challenging. I like that he holds me accountable for the little things from my game and with my team because it's going to make me a better player but at times it's very challenging because he's always on my case at times.
 
How was your experience like playing basketball at Tampa Tech high school? 
 
My experience playing at Tampa Prep high school was amazing. I met really great friends on the team and was able to play a different role within the team that challenged my game overall. 
 
What was your most memorable moment during the high school season?
 
The most memorable moment this year for me was when I played against Bishop McLaughlin. I scored fifty points that game and reached my 1,000-point mark.
 
what is it like playing for your high school coach? 
 
Playing for Coach Erin Knight is very fun. Just the fun we've had as a team and how practice is always competitive.
 
What do you think was the biggest growth in your game that led to you getting scholarship offers? 
 
 I think the biggest growth in my game was being able to draw fouls and being able to capitalize at the free throw line from the fouls.
 
What part of your game do you want to improve on?
 
Definitely my shot selection and just, knowing what is a higher percentage shot at the moment for me. 
 
What schools are recruiting and who has offered you? 
 
So far I've been offered by Louisville, Florida State, Miami, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, PENN State, USF, Bethune Cookman, and FAMU. Schools that I talk to but haven't offered yet is Tennessese, West Virgina, and Kansas.
 
 
Did you take visits to college yet also how are the virtual tours compared to visits?
 
The schools I've visited so far has been University of Miami, Florida State, and USF. I haven't participated in any virtual tours because I would rather see the campus as it is then online.
 
 
Who are some of the players NBA/ WNBA / NCAA you pattern you game after
 
I pattern my game after Chennedy Carter and Rhyne Howard in the women’s game but for the men's game definitely would have to say Damian Lillard.
 
 
What are you looking for in A college? 
 
One of the biggest things that I look into a college for is fit and playing style within the program.