Who is Jacob Gilyard? Discovering the NBA's Shortest Player and His Journey
Who is Jacob Gilyard? Discovering the NBA's Shortest ...
By Jocelyn Alano August 23, 2024 13:09
There is a height barrier in the professional basketball realm, where your performance will suffer if you do not have it, but the 5-foot-8 Jacob Gilyard found a spot anyway. The shortest player currently on an NBA roster, Gilyard's floor-to-draft journey is a true Cinderella story. This feature highlights Gilyard's past, present, potential future in the NBA, and much more.
Background: Personal and Family
Jacob Gilyard was born on July 14, 1998, in Kansas City, Missouri. Coming from an excellent home environment, his parents taught him the value of hard work and never giving up on what you want. One of his guiding forces was his father, Rodney Gilyard, who always ensured Jacob had the proper mindset.
Basketball Journey
Gilyard's success in high school took him to the University of Richmond, where he played for five years on the basketball court with the Richmond Spiders. He was a star player in his college career, most recognized for exceptional defensive ability and playmaking.
Gilyard earned numerous awards while in college, and he was the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, along with several All-Conference nods. In his uncanny facility, he was a valuable asset to his team for predicting plays before the snap and tuning up on opposing offenses. Gilyard's college numbers represent his well-rounded style, with 12.7 points, five assists, and an NCAA-most 3 steals per game as a junior.
Transition to the NBA
Gilyard went on to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies as an undrafted free agent on September 23, 2022. His first roadblock came quickly: waived and picked up by the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies' G League affiliate. Those efforts were eventually rewarded when Gilyard landed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies in April 2023 to split his time between the NBA and affiliate Memphis Hustle of the G League.
He made his NBA debut on April 9, 2023, against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he finished with three points, seven assists, four rebounds, and three steals. The outing showed how he could be useful in limited minutes. During the 2023 season, Gilyard came out of nowhere to prove he was a legitimate player for Memphis when injuries hit their roster.
Game Style, Abilities, and Strengths
Gilyard plays with a quick first step, extreme agility, and the ability to see the court. Although he stands at a shorter height, he is known to elude defenders via his speed by creating space for himself and his teammates. Gilyard can handle and pass like a traditional point guard necessary for someone in his position. He also has an elite level of shooting inside the paint with acrobatic finishes, but more notably from beyond the arc.
Statistically speaking, he has been extremely efficient with the ball in his hands. A proven decision-maker who takes care of the basketball, he also excelled at managing a game in 2023 where he did better than dishing assists to keep turnovers low by a ratio greater than five to one.
Challenges Faced in the NBA
Gilyard's Road has not been a walk in the park, however. At only 5'8", his height is a physical disadvantage against players who fill up the stat sheet, some of whom happen to be tall. It provides challenges in its own right, such as guarding more physical guards and forwards. But Gilyard has always shown that his size won't surpass his skill set and basketball IQ.
Size has always been among the top concerns NBA scouts have had over Gilyard's career. But he has taken this doubt and let it fuel him, always saying, "I've been undersized since I was a little kid playing basketball. I mean, that has been my whole life, in a way, trying to prove people wrong." This quality has come to define him as the underdog who refuses to lose.
Impact and Contributions to His Teams
Gilyard has been a valuable diet to the Memphis Grizzlies, who have struggled with injuries throughout the season. His willingness to rise and fill up the spots of hurt players has endeared him within the organization and to fans. And with his performance, Gilyard has not only shown off what he can do on his own but underscored how valuable a piece of this team puzzle is.
Gilyard has been a valuable asset for the Grizzlies, both on and off the court. The encouragement he lends to the other team members is quite motivational, as Andrey effortlessly displays that despite physical boundaries, persistence and a positive outlook are what matter in achieving something.
Attitude, Hustle and Grit
The attitude with which Gilyard carries himself is a big reason for his success. The other pictures show that he approaches each game with intense competitiveness and unyielding self-assurance. This is a testament to his work ethic and the preparation and drive he puts into improving in every way possible. Gilyard's journey also shows that physical talent can only take you so far, but it requires an insane mental toughness and work ethic.
Prospects And Future Impact
As Jacob Gilyard further improves his skills in NBA basketball, he will have a solid future outlook. His fit in the current NBA and that very versatile skill set could make him an asset for Memphis or elsewhere moving forward. Yes, he will always face scrutiny because of his height, but Gilyard's determination and work ethic indicate that becoming more challenging on the next level should not be a problem.
That style of play and the clutch gene could find him some steady work in a league that also increasingly values versatility, even if not always skill. With experience and growth, Gilyard has a chance to set the stage for future undersized players in basketball across generations that continue, despite their size.
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