Busting Brackets
Fansided

Jacob Gilyard’s story to becoming a star at Richmond Basketball

By Jason Burgess

Nov 27, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Richmond Spiders guard Jacob Gilyard (0) celebrates in the second half against Morehead State at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Richmond Spiders guard Jacob Gilyard (0) celebrates in the second half against Morehead State at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Richmond Basketball guard Jacob Gilyard Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Richmond Basketball guard Jacob Gilyard Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

Gilyard has enjoyed his time with the Spiders

Through four years at Richmond, there have been highs and lows for Gilyard, from game-winning shots to disappointing losses but, he will remember them all fondly. He recalled some of his best memories saying, “I know my freshman year we beat VCU at home in a comeback win, which is really fun because of the rivalry. This past year we were playing in the NIT against Toledo, we had three starters out and the younger guys got to step up and play really well. Winning in the first round of the NIT, it was a big win for our coach and for me because I felt like the odds were stacked against us.”

When it comes to disappointments in a Spider uniform, he thought for a moment, looking back on his career, and said, “I would definitely say my junior year when we felt like we were a tournament team, and then Covid happened and the tournament didn’t happen. It was devastating, that is the only way to describe it.”

Although last season didn’t end quite the way he had hoped after such a strong start and being ranked in the top-25 early in the year, Gilyard has reason for serious optimism entering this year.

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