Delrecco Gillespie, senior professional studies major and member of 91ֿ’s men's basketball team, was that detailed how setbacks like injury and grief fueled Gillespie’s drive to play as if it were his last chance to be on the court.
When Gillespie was 13, he tragically lost his mother, Joi Whaley, in a traffic accident. Shortly after, a sister and a grandfather passed away. From a young age, he was thrust into the big feelings that grief brings along.
During his sophomore year, Gillespie suffered a knee injury that ended his second season.
“The gym would always keep me away from my problems. Basketball is just my peace,” Gillespie told the NCAA. “Getting basketball taken away from me my sophomore year and having to rehab seven months ... I just try to go out there and play every play like it’s my last, knowing that it can be taken from you.”
With that mindset, Gillespie is setting up impressive numbers in his senior season. He began this season with nine double-doubles and is now sitting at 20. This has not been done by anyone else in Division I; the previous record is 17. He and his cousin and teammate, Rob Whaley Jr., are known as The Joi Boys.
Rob Senderoff, head coach of the men's basketball team, recognizes how strong a player Gillespie is.
“He’s obviously got great hands,” Senderoff said. “He has really good timing and he has long arms. But really what separates him is his motor. He makes multiple efforts; his second jump is faster than most people’s second jumps so when he misses, he’s able to go get his own rebounds. He’s just got an elite, elite, elite motor.”
The relationship between Senderoff and Gillespie is inspiring; they have a deep sense of trust with one another that is illustrated on the court.
Senderoff knows a lot about Gillespie. He knows he is a winner, while Gillespie stayed patient and trusted Senderoff’s vision for his development.