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Every college athlete is goal-oriented and men’s basketball forward Marcus Gilbert is no different. As of late, the senior has been checking off more of those goals on his senior wish list.

Winning season – check; Postseason play – check; graduation next week – check.

Now Gilbert is one step closer to placing another check mark on that list after earning tryouts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. The chance to take the court with these NBA teams is among several upcoming opportunities for Gilbert, who seems poised to join a growing list of former student-athletes under Head Coach Sydney Johnson to continue a career in the professional ranks.

“My career at ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� prepared me well to play at the next level,” Gilbert said. “The coaches helped me develop individually and sharpen my skills as a person off the court and as a basketball player on the court.”

Gilbert used all of those skills during his time in Utah and Boston, but also took a moment to enjoy the moment and realize how special these moments really are.

“I had some nerves at the beginning but I told myself that I’ve been doing this for years,” Gilbert said. “That’s what helped calmed my nerves. Because of that, my workout went really well. My jump shot was feeling very good and I felt like I impressed some of their coaches.”

Some of his insight to the pro workouts and opportunities that may await him came from his discussions with former Fairfield basketball players who are currently experiencing success professionally overseas.

“I have mostly talked with Maurice Barrow (Class of 2014) about his professional career overseas,” Gilbert said. “He told me that playing in a different country is something to get accustomed to but it is a great experience. Mo told me to keep developing my skills and learn as much as much as I can from my coaches.”

Gilbert’s skill set has led him to a great deal of success over the years. Gilbert received his accolades after averaging 16.7 points per game which ranked fifth among the MAAC scoring leaders. The forward netted 1,661 points during his career which ranks fourth all-time in Fairfield basketball annals. He places second in the Fairfield record book for career three-point field goals, registering just over 240 long-range jumpers. He capped his senior season as a member of the All-MAAC first team after being named All-MAAC third team selection in 2015.

The ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� men's basketball team, under Head Coach Sydney Johnson, finished the 2015-16 campaign with a 19-14 overall record and a 12-8 MAAC mark. The Stags advanced to the MAAC Tournament semifinals and earned a berth to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT).

Coach Johnson was pleased that Gilbert had these opportunities to spend time with NBA teams.

"Marcus is one of the hardest working, most dedicated players that I have ever coached," Johnson said. "He was a stand-out player for us all season long and was a huge reason for us having the fourth best turnaround in the country. Marcus did everything we asked from a skill development standpoint and I’m sure that’s why the pros are looking at him closely."

Visit for more updates on Gilbert’s journey as he continues to pursue playing opportunities beyond the ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� campus.