Gipson Bound for Hawaii
Matt Gipson, a 6-9, 235 pound power forward from North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, Id.,
Gipson visited Hawaii from October 3-5. According to NIC Head Coach Hugh Watson, a number of other mid to high Division I programs pursued Gipson hard. Among that lot were South Alabama, Utah, Colorado, Gonzaga, Virginia Tech, Florida Atlantic, Utah State and Oregon State.
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"He was pretty select," Watson said. "He wants to prove that Oklahoma made a mistake."
"Matt is pretty comfortable with Hawaii," Watson continued. "He liked the players, the staff and they worked him really hard. They went in this fall and talked with his parents down in Texas."
Gipson red-shirted his first year at Oklahoma in 2001-2002, and played sparingly for the Sooners in 2002-2003. That's when he opted for a change of scenery, and perhaps, a change in fortune.
Watson spoke highly of Gipson's abilities as a player.
"He posts up real well and runs the floor excellent," Watson said. "He's an excellent passer and an adequate three point shooter."
"He's very unselfish," Watson continued. "He's pretty athletic, can dunk with both hands and is very versatile."
Gipson could be termed a "finesse" or "face up" four man. But Watson doesn't have him pigeonholed for any one position.
"I don't know where I am going to play him," the coach said. "He could play the two through the five, but I am thinking about playing him at the three."
Gipson is expected to sign a national letter of intent with Hawaii next month. The NCAA early signing period runs from Nov. 12-19.
Gipson will have two years of eligibility at Hawaii, starting with the 2004-2005 season. As a 4-2-4 transfer, he will need to complete his associates degree requirments before enrolling at Hawaii next fall.