Daniel Gilbert catches the ball, driving it into a wave of defenders.
The sweat that had escaped the grasp of his white headband dripped down the side of his cheek. Needless to say, he is extremely fatigued having just completed a two-hour practice following a grueling road victory the night before.
But, it is that sweat and hustle that makes Gilbert a fan favorite on the roster of the Buffalo Bulls men's basketball team.
Chants of 'Dan-ny Hust-le' have broken out in recent home games in Alumni Arena, something Gilbert says amplifies his game.
"I heard it the last couple games. I kind of like it, keeps me going," said Gilbert. "I'll be tired but they keep yelling my name, can't take a play off."
Gilbert's hustle and determination have earned him some great games this year. Setting a new career-high of 17 points a few weeks back, he has worked extremely hard to get to this level. People say he has flashes of his uncle in his game.
"I didn't ever see him play, but my family told me he was real good," he said. "He broke his leg so he had to stop playing. I guess he saw a little talent in me when I was younger."
Growing up in the Detroit, Mich., area right near 8 Mile city, the Bulls' junior forward is familiar with the playground style of play often depicted in the practice above.
No out-of-bounds, no picky whistles, just creative freedom.
Driving the basketball lane is easier than driving a car for Gilbert, as he currently is not an automobile owner. He does however find a way to get to the mall and visit Foot Action, adding to his arsenal of sneakers comprised of roughly 18 pairs, five of which he doesn't wear, saving them for future obligations.
"I just don't throw them away. The five that I don't wear, what's the mud thing called? - the Ooze Fest - I could throw them on there," said Gilbert.
After the spring, Gilbert has plans to stay in Buffalo this summer attending summer classes and hitting the gym. If he gets strong enough he just might be able to tear down the rim this time; he was hit with a technical foul a couple weeks back for hanging on the rim, a no-no in college hoops.
"I don't think I hung on it that long," said Gilbert with a laugh. "I see that all the time on Sportscenter, they never get called for it. It's not the first time I've done it. In high school I did it before but no technicals."
Gilbert was asked to fill out a series of questions (some listed below). After putting it through our system we determined which 1980's hair band he would be a part of.
Do you adopt well to change? Yes
Are umlauts cool? No
Do you prefer leather or denim? Denim
Do you consider yourself coy? No
Are you rebellious? No
Although he seems more of a Whitesnake guy, Gilbert's answers placed him in that never-dying band, Bon Jovi.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
