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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

G-Prep’s Otiona Gildon commits to Oregon

Gildon

The Greater Spokane League girls basketball reigning most valuable player is headed to the University of Oregon.

Gonzaga Prep senior-to-be Otiona Gildon has given Ducks and former Gonzaga University coach Kelly Graves an oral commitment.

“I wanted to play in the Pac-12 and challenge myself,” the 5-foot-11 Gildon said. “It’s close to home but not too close. I’ll have an on-my-own feeling.”

She chose Oregon over Gonzaga, Purdue and Montana State.

Gildon averaged 15.2 points and 9.1 rebounds last year, leading the Bullpups to their first State 4A championship.

“It was a gut-wrenching decision between Gonzaga and Oregon,” Bullpups coach Mike Arte said. “A lot of people have had a hand in the development of Oti – from her parents to her club coach (Kerry Pickett). It’s amazing how far she’s come as a player and her academics. She’s a great young lady. I’m so proud she has a chance to go to college to continue her basketball career and education.”

Gildon said Oregon plans to play her at the wing and forward positions.

“I have to do more work on my perimeter game,” she said. “There’s always room for improvement.”

Arte said Gildon began working on the other parts of her game a year ago anticipating what positions she would play in college.

“We let her shoot a few 3s this summer,” Arte said. “We’ll let her step out. Not a lot because she’s so dang good around the basket.”

Gildon is listed in the ESPN HoopGirlz top 60 recruiting class of 2015.