"I'm very excited," said Gilstrap. "I've dreamed about playing at a school like this for a long time now. I can't wait to play for Iowa State."Gilstrap said that the Cyclones first started recruiting him about three weeks ago. "Coach Robinson saw me at the Littlefield JUCO camp in Atlanta. He told me that he liked how I can play inside and outside. He also told me that he liked how hard I played," he said. "Then he came down and saw me at Gulf Coast and that's when he offered me a scholarship."
Gilstrap first learned a lot about Iowa State from former Cyclone Kantrail Horton. "He's from my hometown Covington (GA) and so I work out with him and he told me it would be a great place to play," he said. "He told me the fans there love Iowa State basketball."
The 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward feels he can bring a lot to the Iowa State program. "I feel I will play at one of the wing spots for them," said Gilstrap. "I feel I do it all. I can post if needed and I feel I can also drive and shoot the three."
Gilstrap's career was sidelined the past two seasons after suffering a knee injury during the 2005 season while playing for Palm Beach Community College. "I got hurt after one semester at Palm Beach and then I had to do my rehabilitation the next year. Last year I redshirted at Gulf Coast C.C."
Now fully recovered from his injury, Marquis feels his game is only getting better. "My knee is fine and I feel I've gotten better as a player. My knee is even stronger now."
Gilstrap also talked with his teammate Brad Reese who has also been recruited by Iowa State. "He told me it was a nice atmosphere and that the coaching staff was really nice."
Marquis has not been to Iowa State but hopes to visit soon. "I believe I'm going pretty soon," said Gilstrap. "I think it will be August so it should be in the next few weeks."