Iowa State men’s basketball: Percy Gibson will transfer from the Cyclones
By Brian Spaen
Percy Gibson will be leaving the Iowa State men’s basketball team and transferring to a different school at the end of the spring semester.
Dec 2, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones center Percy Gibson (24) grabs a rebound against the Auburn Tigers at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Tigers 99-70. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
The Cyclones’ official website reports that head coach Fred Hoiberg met with Gibson after the season was over and the junior center gave his desire to transfer and play at a different school.
"“I’d like to thank Coach Hoiberg and the rest of the coaches for the opportunity to play at Iowa State,” Gibson said. “I will take with me the memories and friendships created with my teammates. I also want to thank Iowa State’s fans for their support the last three years.”"
It’s not hard to figure out why Gibson wants a shot somewhere else. Despite Iowa State having a lack of depth in the frontcourt, their tallest player at 6-foot-9 only saw more time on the court than Tyler Ellerman and K.J. Bluford, — the latter transferred from the team before Big 12 play began.
Percy appeared in just 14 games and averaged 5.1 minutes in them. He attempted 15 total shots, went 5-of-7 from the free throw line, attempted and missed one 3-pointer, and scored 17 total points.
It was a sharp contrast from his first two years as a Cyclone, appearing in 29 or more games in each season and averaging around 11 minutes, close to five points and over two rebounds per game.
While it’s a bummer to see Gibson leave to further evaporate the frontcourt, perhaps after not appearing in many games this season, he didn’t believe he would get much time in his senior campaign with incoming forward Jameel McKay. Gibson’s departure does open up a third scholarship for the Cyclones.
We thank Gibson for what he’s done with Iowa State and wish him the best wherever he transfers, and hopefully he’ll be able to finish his college basketball career with a bang.