Gibson signs with Louisiana Tech

By Dustin Kent

Published: April 18, 2008

Marianna senior Brandon Gibson inked a basketball scholarship to play for Louisiana Tech University and coach Kerry Rupp Friday at MHS.

A 6-foot-5-inch center, Gibson averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds in the 2007-08 season and led the Bulldogs to an appearance in the Final Four in Lakeland.

Gibson will likely play on the wing for Louisiana Tech, which finished 3-13 in the Western Athletic Conference this past season and 6-24 overall.

“I feel excited,” Gibson said after the signing. “I always wanted to play Division-I ball. People doubted me, but I accomplished that goal.”

Gibson chose Louisiana Tech over Jacksonville University, saying that the former’s resemblance to Jackson County.

The Tech campus is located in the small town of Ruston, with a population of just over 20,000.

“It reminds me of home,” Gibson said. “Marianna’s out in the woods and so is Louisiana Tech. Jacksonville’s too busy of a town for me.”

MHS coach Travis Blanton said he had no doubt that Gibson made the right decision.

“I think it’s going to be a great fit for him,” the coach said. “I think it’s a program that is starting to move in the right direction. I think Brandon is going to step in and be a leader for them.”

Blanton was emotional when speaking of Gibson before the crowded gym, which included Gibson’s family, teammates and classmates.

“Brandon is like family to me,” the coach said. “It’s not like we never had run-ins, but we always hugged and made up. He has grown into a fine young man. It was just an honor to coach him.”

Gibson said he would remember all four of his years on the Marianna varsity squad fondly, particularly the last.

“I’ll remember most getting to the Final Four this year,” he said, “and just making something happen for the program for four years. I told coach I was going to start as a freshman and I did. I told him we were going to take him to the Final Four and we did.

“I’ll remember setting goals here and accomplishing them.”