Clavell making big impact in first season with Kats
3/5/2010 10:51:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Sam Houston State University men's basketball forward Gilberto Clavell has made a powerful impact on his team this season. In his first season with the Kats he is leading the team in rebounding and second in scoring and is a candidate for Southland Conference player of the year.
Head coach Bob Marlin is excited about how quickly Clavell has transitioned since he arrived here last fall and is optimistic that he will continue to succeed in the future.
"Gilberto plays extremely hard and is a great competitor," Marlin said. "He is a good scorer and defender who immediately stepped up this season. He had made an impact on our team from day one; we need him on our team."
Clavell is a junior, majoring in kinesiology. He is a transfer from Collin County Community College; averaging 16.1 points and 6.5 rebounds for Coach Jim Sigona. He led the team to a 27-5 record in 2009 and was named the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Co-Defensive Player of the year. He also played for Coach Aubin Coporo at Florida Air Academy, starting for 21-7 quad while averaging 12 points a game. He scored an impressive 34 points in the SHSU vs. Auburn game and has been named the Southland Conference men's basketball player of the week three times this season.
"Playing basketball here is completely different from playing back at home in Puerto Rico," said Clavell. "The first two months here were tough, but my coaches and teammates helped me get through the hard times. I came to Sam Houston because I knew that we would have a chance to win. I want to go to Katy and win the tournament and make it to the NCAA tournament."
Playing basketball in America is a significant accomplishment for Clavell's family and friends in Puerto Rico. It has motivated him to work harder to be the best that he can be.
"Gilberto worked really hard before he came here and adjusted very quickly when he got here and I believe that is because of his work ethic," Marlin said. "He has played a lot of good games and is our top inside scorer. He is also one of the best post-defenders we have ever had, and he does all of this as a forward. He has definitely worked hard on developing his game in several different positions, We expect to see a more success from him."
Clavell has had many influences in his life to help him get to where he is now. His family has had a big impact on him, as well as his coaches and teammates. He is a passionate, competitive player who earns his success with hard work and determination.
"I have always kind of felt like an underdog," Clavell said. "People always use to tell me that because I was a 6-6 power forward that I would not be able to play very well. But the truth is that it doesn't matter how tall you are or what you look like. What matters is what is in your heart. It is all about playing the game and that keeps me motivated. My family, coaches, and teammates have also had a huge impact on me. They are always there to encourage me and I consider them all family."
Clavell will be in action Saturday when the Bearkats wrap up regular season action with a 2 p.m. game at San Marcos against Texas State. The contest will be televised regionally on the Southland TV Network. Then, next week, its on to the conference tournament.
Tickets to see both the men and the women play in the State Farm Southland Conference Post-Season Classic tournament are now on sale. The winner of the Southland tournament earns the league's automatic berth in the 2010 NCAA Big Dance.
Fans may purchase session tickets online at SHSU Ticket Office or by calling 936-294-1729. The supply of Southland single session tickets are a limited so fans are urged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible.
First round and semifinal men's and women's session tickets are $18 each and feature two games. Championship day tickets are $15.
Go to Southland Tournament Central for more information or by call the SHSU Athletic Ticket office at 936 294-1729. The Sam Houston athletic ticket office is located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
By purchasing tournament tickets through the SHSU Ticket Office, fans will assured of seats in the SHSU section of the Merrell Center. Tickets will be allocated based on a priority system and availability.
