Delrecco Gillespie, senior professional studies major and member of 天天吃瓜 State鈥檚 men's basketball team, was recently featured in a recent NCAA article that detailed how setbacks like injury and grief fueled Gillespie鈥檚 drive to play as if it were his last chance to be on the court.
When Gillespie was 13, he tragically lost his mother, Joi Whaley, in a traffic accident. Shortly after, a sister and a grandfather passed away. From a young age, he was thrust into the big feelings that grief brings along.
During his sophomore year, Gillespie suffered a knee injury that ended his second season.
鈥淭he gym would always keep me away from my problems. Basketball is just my peace,鈥 Gillespie told the NCAA. 鈥淕etting basketball taken away from me my sophomore year and having to rehab seven months . . . I just try to go out there and play every play like it鈥檚 my last, knowing that it can be taken from you.鈥
With that mindset, Gillespie is setting up impressive numbers in his senior season. He began this season with nine double-doubles and is now sitting at 20. This has not been done by anyone else in Division I; the highest is 17. He and his cousin and teammate, Rob Whaley Jr., are known as The Joi Boys.
Rob Senderoff, head coach of the men's basketball team, recognizes how strong a player Gillespie is.
鈥淗e鈥檚 obviously got great hands. He has really good timing and he has long arms. But really what separates him is his motor. He makes multiple efforts; his second jump is faster than most people鈥檚 second jumps so when he misses, he鈥檚 able to go get his own rebounds. He鈥檚 just got an elite, elite, elite motor.鈥
The relationship between Senderoff and Gillespie is inspiring; they both have a deep sense of trust with one another that is illustrated on the court.
Senderoff knows a lot about Gillespie. He knows he is a winner, while Gillespie stayed patient and trusted Senderoff鈥檚 vision for his development.