By Rafal Juc

 

Over season 2011/2012 we had an occasion to follow many European prospects in NCAA. One of them was Tomasz Gielo ('93), who moved last summer to Liberty college. Despite being out for first seven weeks of action due to elbow injury, 19-years old Gielo backed to the game in excellent shape and got spot in Flames starting five. What are his impressions about first year in college league? Eurohopes staff talked also with Liberty’s head coach Dale Layer. Read what they both said.

Ranked 38th in 1993 ranking, Gielo is member of polish "gold generation" playing alongside ranked in our rankings: Przemyslaw Karnowski, Mateusz Ponitka, Piotr Niedzwiedzki and Michalak Michalak. From all above names only Gielo decided to continue his career abroad and moved to the States, where started education at Liberty college. His freshman year was not entirely successful. Just few days before season opener, Gielo dislocated his elbow during practice and in effect missed seven weeks of action. Nonetheless, he played in 21 games, starting more of them. All in all, 6-8 power forward finished with averages of 3.4 points and 2 rebounds per game in just 15.3 minutes. In lost game to UNC-Asheville he was able to score 8 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 30 minutes, while against High Point had 9 points and 3 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. We contacted player as well as his coach Dale Layer asking for a comment on Gielo’s season. Check below what they said:

Tomasz Gielo: "It was a big honor for me to get spot in starting five as a freshman, so season 2011/12 was undeniably successful for me. From the other hand, despite starting games I was spending on court not more than 15 minutes per game. I felt that I am able to help my teammate much more, however I am aware that it was just my first year in team. Moreover due to unlucky injury I was out of game before season opener, so I was back to the practices in the middle of competitions, which certainly had an impact on my game. Since I landed in States, I put 6 extra kilos on my weight. Here in Liberty I’m making special program on gym and it happened several times that I practiced even straight after game. Over season I was used by our coaching staff mainly as a power forward, what was caused by injuries of our frontcourt players. However, I’m still working on my skills, still improving my ball handling and one-on-one game on dribble"

Dale Layer: "Tomasz was slowed down by a dislocated elbow and missed seven weeks of the season, so it limited his development.  Nevertheless, he had a successful season and contributed to our team in many ways. Tomasz has improved his toughness and skills.  He has lifted weights consistently and has increased his weight and strength. Tomasz will be trained as a small forward in the off-season. I am hopeful that he will be able to play both positions next year."

 

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

 

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