« Men’s Basketball 2011-12

Ashton Gibbs

School
Pittsburgh
Position
Guard
Major
Communications
PPG
15.5
RPG
2.4
APG
2.2

Classroom

Gibbs is an Academic All-America candidate with a 3.0-plus grade point average. He is a two-time Big East Academic All-Star.

Character

Gibbs is a team leader, has never been in trouble and is an outstanding representative of Pitt and the community. He comes from a great family in New Jersey, is a pleasure to be around, a great student and a great kid.

Community

Gibbs visited Our Lady Children’s Hospital on team trip to Ireland. He also participated in the 4th Grade Youth Basketball Pick Up Game Program where members of Pitt’s men’s basketball team spoke to a group of students about the importance of eating healthy and being active. They also showed the basic fundamentals and skills of basketball, and how to properly execute a foul shot. He was a guest judge for the Kids Helping Kids Art Contest to promote the children’s involvement with the non-profit organization, ‘The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center’. Proceeds from the event went to The Children’s Home. Members of the Pitt men’s basketball team signed autographs to help support efforts associated with diabetes and promote healthy living at the WTAE Healthy 4 Life Expo. He helped out with Coach Dixon’s Timeout, an on-going community service initiative within the City of Pittsburgh, Hill District community that promotes making responsible decisions among eighth grade male students, involving Coach Jamie Dixon and the Pitt men’s basketball team. It is designed to help eighth grade students start their high school career with purposeful direction. The Pitt athletic department hosted the Maggie Dixon Heart Fair at the annual Basketball FanFest. Gibbs and fellow student-athletes from the men’s and women’s basketball teams participated as volunteers. Student-athletes greeted visitors, interacted with families and hosted tours of the athletic facilities. Over 200 people took advantage of the opportunity to receive free heart screenings. In addition, Gibbs was part of a group of athletes who participated in the Players for Kidz Gala. Pitt student-athletes attended a gala to help raise money and awareness for the Pittsburgh Foundation.  The Pittsburgh Foundation is the 14th largest community foundation in the country. Since 1945, it has worked to improve the quality of life in the Pittsburgh region by evaluating and addressing community issues, promoting charitable giving, and connecting donors to the critical needs of the community. Many generous individuals have invested in their community by establishing over 1,000 funds at the Foundation, benefiting a wide variety of nonprofit organizations and community needs.

Competition

Gibbs was an All-America honorable mention selection as a junior. He is a two-time All-Region/All-District selection, a two-time All-Big East player (First Team All-Big East in 2010-11 and Second Team in 2009-10), a two-time Wooden and Naismith National Player of the Year nominee, Big East Most Improved Player and a two-time team MVP. Gibbs ranks among school career leaders in scoring (1,207 points), 3-point field goals made (4th, 216), 3-point FG percentage (2nd, .441) and free throw percentage (2nd, .879). He was a Bob Cousy Award candidate, a three-year starter and a two-time USA Basketball player (2011 World University Games, 2009 FIBA World Championships, gold medal).