Admon Gilder dreams of the NBA, but that dream was put on hold. Gilder withdrew his name from the NBA Draft back in May, opting to finish his college career at Texas A&M.
Basketball players staying for all four years is rare in today's times. It's often a rush to move on and play in the league. For Gilder, however, the decision was all about timing.
"The whole process was a life lesson," Gilder remarked. "It just wasn't the right time, but I think the process helped me continue to grow. So many rush to the league, and I'm in no rush. I talked with my family a lot, and it was pretty simple. Whatever I decided to do, I just wanted to give 100 percent."
Gilder decided to stay in Aggieland for one last go around at Reed Arena. Coach Billy Kennedy knew there was always a chance that Gilder would depart for the draft, but his return provided instant excitement entering 2018-19.
"He wanted to go through the process just to see what it was all about," said Kennedy. "Once we knew he was coming back, we knew we'd have someone to really build the team around."
It has been a very impressive career for Gilder. He has been a key component of two Sweet 16 teams and was a part of the 2015-16 SEC Championship squad. He averaged seven points per game off the bench as a freshman. He then started 59 games over the past two years, averaging 13.7 and 12.3 points per game, respectively.
Despite the impressive stats, Gilder's game has flown under the radar at times. That's just fine according to Kennedy and his staff, as they know just how important Gilder has been to A&M's program.
"Admon is a behind-the-scenes guy and not a hype guy," admitted Kennedy. "People don't always realize all the things that he does for our program. I've always been able to count on him offensively and defensively. He may not be flashy, but he is the ultimate intangibles guy. We didn't play very well when he was hurt last season, and that tells you about his importance."
The Aggies struggled when Gilder was sidelined with a knee injury last year. He never got back to 100 percent, but still averaged over 12 points per game as the Aggies made a run to the Sweet 16. That injury, though deflating at the time, may have been a blessing in disguise as Gilder reflects and looks ahead.
Gilder looks forward to one more year in front of the Reed Rowdies in 2018-19.
"The injury showed how quickly it can be taken away," admitted Gilder. "It taught me a lot about patience and focus. In a way, it was a sign that I needed to slow down a bit and regain some focus."
This offseason was very important to Gilder. He needed time to get healthy, and he has fully stepped into a leadership role for the Aggies following the early departure of Robert Williams, Tyler Davis, and DJ Hogg.
Despite three of his teammates leaving early to chase their NBA dreams, Gilder didn't allow that to impact his decision. The choice was his to make, and Kennedy was impressed with how Gilder handled the situation.
"Admon made the decision that was best for him and his family," noted Kennedy. "His decision wasn't going to be based on the decisions of others."
Now that he's back to finish what he started in Aggieland, Gilder understands that the weight is squarely on his shoulders in 2018-19. He is the unquestioned leader of this year's squad, a challenge he is fully accepting each and every day.
"It's about leadership and consistency," Gilder said. "It's not just about leading when things are going right. When times are tough, can I step up and help these young guys? I've been through wins, losses, and injuries. All of that stuff happens in basketball and in life."
"He and Chris (Collins) are the only two guys remaining from our conference championship team," added Kennedy. "They have that experience that our other guys don't have."
Kennedy has already seen the growth in Gilder, both as a player and as a leader.
"He's made a big impact again this offseason," Kennedy stated. "He's talking more and not just leading by example. He's more of a coach on the floor now. Admon is in the gym as much as anyone and is one of our hardest workers on the court and in the weight room. Having someone like that makes the program better, because our young guys see the commitment he has."
Basketball obviously played a big role in Gilder's decision to return, but his love of A&M and the importance of education cannot be overlooked. Gilder can't hide his smile when he's asked about the Aggie Ring and his upcoming graduation.
"I'm so excited for my graduation," Gilder assured. "Not everyone gets to experience something like that, especially from a great school like Texas A&M. I get the chance to go and represent Texas A&M like it should be represented, and that's a real honor."
Gilder is set to graduate in December. He then plans to begin his master's in January. The college experience has been a joy for Gilder, and he wants to end it in style.
"He values education and the Texas A&M experience," Kennedy said. "Athletes in today's times don't always do that, but that's one of many things that makes Admon so special."
Gilder is not your typical collegiate athlete. He's had to balance academics, athletics, and being a dad. His daughter and the rest of his family have played a huge role in his A&M career, and he smiles with pride when he talks about those closest to him.
"He has such a great family that supports him," Kennedy agreed. "They've been on board with us since the day he committed. When he graduates, we're not only losing a great player and person in Admon. We're losing a great Aggie family, as well. His family means a lot to him. They've been so invested in this program, and I'm very thankful for that."
This is it. One last year in Aggieland. There will be plenty of new faces with Gilder on the court this year, but one thing is for certain. Expectations and goals will remain the same.
"Our goal every year is to make the NCAA Tournament and compete for championships," Kennedy said. "It won't be any different this year. We lost a lot of guys. Because of that, it starts with Admon setting the tone from a work ethic standpoint and doing the right things on and off the court."
Gilder scored a team-high 18 points in last season's NCAA Tournament win over Providence.
This is also Gilder's final season of prep before pursuing his NBA dream. While the goal of the NBA remains, Gilder is well aware of the bigger picture.
"I'm going to play basketball until I can't," Gilder said. "There is life after basketball, though, and that's something I've always been taught by my family and Coach Kennedy. I want to be a college coach someday. I want to use my voice and my smile to help others. Most importantly, I want to be the best father I can be."
Gilder knows things won't always be easy, but he is ready. His A&M career has prepared him well, leaving him with a message for his head coach and the 12th Man.
"I take so much pride in putting that jersey on and representing this school," Gilder admitted. "I love the support the 12th Man gives us, and I'm so thankful to Coach Kennedy for everything he's done. Aggieland welcomed me with open arms and has treated me so well since I got here. It's been a great experience, and it's proved that with hard work, dedication and patience, everything is possible."
