ANCHORAGE - The Alaska Anchorage men's basketball program is adding more talent from Down Under, head coach Rusty Osborne announced Tuesday, with the signing of big man Liam Gibcus to a scholarship agreement to play for the Seawolves.
The 6-9, 220-pound post from Lysterfield, Australia, will be a freshman at UAA after averaging 14.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and shooting 53 percent this year for the Knox Raiders of the SEABL Development League, finishing in the top 10 in all three stats categories. Gibcus scored in double figures in all but two games, including season-highs of 29 points (11-16 FG) and 14 rebounds in a May 2 win over Ballarat.
"Liam is a tremendous young prospect for the Seawolves," said sixth-year head coach Rusty Osborne. "We expect him to grow into an outstanding player during his four years here. His work ethic reminds me of Jeremiah Trueman, however Liam has a little bigger frame."
Gibcus posted five double-doubles last season, including an 18-point, 12-rebound performance in a playoff semifinal win over Nunawading on Aug. 9.
"He has just finished a very successful season in Australia, leading Knox to the championship game, and we expect him to contribute right away here as a freshman," Osborne added.
In addition to his SEABL accomplishments, Gibcus played with fellow incoming UAA freshman Bryce Arnott on the Victorian Metro Under-20 State team, averaging 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds.
That squad was also coached by Knox head man Scott Christiansen, who praised Gibcus' progress earlier this year.
"Liam has been ... the team's most consistent performer each and every week," Christiansen said in a press release. "He is playing a key role as a physical post player and defender so well that his dominance means the opposition almost always double teams him every time he gets the ball, yet he still puts up big numbers each and every game. Liam works hard at practice to improve all aspects of his game and has added a consistent perimeter game with his post moves and excellent passing."
Gibcus brings UAA's list of new commitments to six, joining Arnott (Fr., G, 6-1, 185, Clyde, Australia), Division I transfer Malcolm Campbell (So., C, 6-9, 255, Los Angeles, Calif./Fairfax HS/Hartford), and JC transfers Donnie Lao (Jr., G, 6-2, 190, Midvale, Utah/Hillcrest HS/Snow Coll.), Ryan Parker (Jr., F, 6-7, 230, Sacramento, Calif./Sierra College), and Drew Robinson (Jr., G., 6-1, 175, Lehi, Utah/Salt Lake CC).
