Keshon Gilbert: 5 Reasons Why This Rising ISU Star Is Primed For A Breakout As A Promising NBA Prospect
Keshon Gilbert, listed as a 6’4”, 200-pound senior combo guard for the Iowa State men’s basketball team, is an intriguing prospect with a unique blend of strengths and areas for growth. At 21 years old, the St. Louis native possesses skills that make him a compelling player, particularly as a slasher and playmaker. Here are 5 reasons this college basketball stud is primed for a breakout as an NBA Draft prospect.
1. Keshon Gilbert is Thriving as a Fearless Slasher
Gilbert’s offensive game shines when he’s attacking the basket. With a solid handle and a low dribble, he navigates tight spaces and beats defenders both in transition and half-court settings. His ability to penetrate in either direction keeps defenses on edge. He blends solid footwork with exceptional body control, impressive hang time, and a knack for absorbing contact, allowing him to attack the rim and finish with precision.
His talent for converting tough, acrobatic layups with either hand, combined with his ability to draw fouls, adds significant value, especially in bonus situations. Plus, he’s reliable at the free-throw line, which maximizes his impact when attacking downhill, making him a versatile and efficient offensive weapon.
Inside the arc, Gilbert is particularly effective. While most of his scoring comes in the paint, he also has a solid midrange pull-up, especially from the elbow and foul-line areas. His ability to stop on a dime, change direction, or use step-backs to create space highlights his scoring versatility. However, his three-point shooting remains inconsistent.
Though his mechanics are decent, consistency and repetition will be key to unlocking a more efficient jump shot. Defenders at the next level will likely sag off him until he proves he can hit threes with confidence. Gilbert occasionally hesitates to shoot from deep but shows promise with a quick release off the dribble.
2. Crafting Opportunities with Playmaking Vision
As a playmaker, Gilbert demonstrates strong instincts and court vision. He has the ability to drive, draw defenders, and find open teammates, both with and without screens. In pick-and-roll situations, he can use his dribble to split defenses to attack into paint, creating scoring opportunities for himself and others. This dual-threat playmaking skillset makes him particularly effective as a distributor in both the half court and transition.
3. Defensive Outlook: Tools with Untapped Potential
Defensively, Keshon Gilbert shows flashes of potential as an on-ball defender. He slides his feet well, uses active hands to disrupt passing lanes, and reacts quickly to contest shots. However, his overall defensive impact remains limited. He struggles at times to stay in front of his man, and his effort on the defensive glass can be inconsistent, as he often fails to box out properly. These are areas that, with focus and encouragement, could see improvement, as his physical tools suggest he can grow into a more reliable defender.
4. Looking ahead: Unlocking Potential Beyond the Arc
Gilbert projects as a slashing, playmaking combo guard who can create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to attack the paint, draw fouls, and distribute the ball makes him an intriguing option for teams seeking roster additions with upside and on a team friendly contract. If he can develop a more consistent jumper—particularly from beyond the arc—he could become a tough cover at the next level.
5. Charting a Path to the Next Level
Currently projected as an undrafted college basketball prospect, Gilbert’s path will depend on his ability to showcase his strengths while addressing his shooting and defensive limitations. With continued development and a fair opportunity, Keshon Gilbert has the potential to carve out a meaningful role as a versatile offensive weapon off the bench, with room to grow into a starting-caliber player or better in the NBA.
Keshon Gilbert Stats: 2024-25 Iowa State Basketball
| GP | MIN | PPG | USG% | FG% | FT% | 2P% | 3P% | RPG | AST | ST | BLK | TO | PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 29.5 | 16.4 | 26.6 | 51.5 | 78.1 | 58.4 | 30.8 | 3.1 | 5.0 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 2.7 | 1.7 |
Share On Social Media
