Earlier this week I had the opportunity to interview Chad Gillaspy from his home in Missouri via Skype. Gillaspy was selected fourth overall in the 2012 NBL draft by the Oshawa Power but within minutes traded to the Storm for Louie McCroskey and cash considerations. We discussed the NBL draft, his new team the Summerside Storm, and his previous basketball experiences. Chad and I spent well over an hour talking back and fourth and I learned quite a bit about Summerside’s newest wing man.
Quick Info: Quick Stats: (2010-2011 last year of college)
Height: 6’7″ Points per Game: 12.4
Weight: 215 Rebounds per Game: 8.2
Position: Forward Assists per Game: 1.4
College: Evangel (4 years) Steals per Game: 1.5
Brett Poirier: What was your first memory playing basketball?
Chad Gillaspy: Probably in first grade, I hit my first three point shot.
BP: Where did you attend high school? And did you play on the school basketball team?
CG: I went to Miller High School which is a really small town about 30 minutes west of Springfield, Missouri. And I played for the school team.
BP: What type of role did you have on the team?
CG: I did everything from play post to bring the ball up, I had a major role.
BP: Is this your first go with a professional team?
CG: Yes, I’m 24 and after four years of college it’s now or never.
BP: Being 6’7″ you have more options then most at choosing you what position to play, what position do you primary play?
CG: I’m a versatile player. I can play inside and outside, that’s what I like to do.
BP: What type of shooter are you? Perimeter, mid range, inside?
CG: In college I played power forward so I didn’t get many opportunities to shoot long range, but in high school I shot from just about anywhere’s on the court. It’s been four years but I’m trying to get my three point shot back.
BP: Looking back at your weekend at the NBL draft combine, how do you personally feel about the way you preformed?
CG: I know I can play better; but for something like that where you come in and play with guys that you have no experiences with, and it’s such a quick process, I think I did okay in that regard.
BP: Have you been keeping busy in the gym this summer?
CG: Oh yes, I’ve been training every day this summer.
BP: Have you touched base with coach Salerno yet?
CG: Yea we spoke briefly at the draft but other then that not to much. I’m sure I’ll connect with him before the training camp though.
BP: What can you bring to this team that perhaps no one else can?
CG: I have a good inside game and I’m working on my outside game so versatility will be something I can bring to the team.
BP: Has anyone influence the way you play the game of basketball?
CG: My family, they’re really into the sport and they love to watch. They’ve always supported me from the bleachers.
BP: Looking back at your experiences with the game what’s your most memorable moment?
CG: The day I signed my college contract stands out to me, that’s something you work hard for your whole life and to finally see it happen feels pretty good.
BP: What can the franchise expect from Chad Gillaspy?
CG: I’m a very hard worker, coming from a small town, playing college and now professionally. I’ve worked extremely hard to get where I am. I can guarantee you that the effort, the hustle, will be there all the time.
BP: I really appreciate you staying up past 2am to do this interview, I’m looking forward to meeting you in October.
CG: Same to you Brett, thanks for doing this, see you in the Fall Canada!
