by LARRY VAUGHT
“Josie brings a lot to the table with her tenacity on defense, experience and her shooting about 40 percent from 3 last year really got our attention,” Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks said. “She will get a lot of opportunities when she gets accustomed to doing the things we want. We are also banking on her having the same type of year percentage-wise from 3. If she does, that will be a huge plus for us.”
Gilvin did not have an accurate 3-point shot when she was helping Sacred Heart win state high school championships.
“I didn’t shoot that much in high school so when I came to college, I was like, ‘We gotta switch it up a little bit.’ I worked a lot on that to be a consistent three-level scorer,” Gilvin said.
The versatile senior is averaging less than 10 minutes per game and did not play in the win at Louisville recently.
“Josie came from a totally different system at Western Kentucky where they really ran all over. They flew around all over on defense and we’re a little bit more disciplined in what we’re doing, so she’s adapting to that,” Brooks said.
Gilvin knows she has to be a consistent rebounder and also consistent defender. “I just have to be big and physical and be where I should be all the time,” Gilvin said.
The Western Kentucky transfer likes the passion this team has daily and the togetherness on the team.
“My role is be someone that does a little things on and off the court, be ready to get my name called, knock down some shots, but overall, just being the defensive player that does little things and tries to get in the scramble,” Gilvin said.
Senior Teonni Key was an immediate help to Gilvin when she got to Kentucky but others quickly added their help.
“Everyone kind of has a voice in it. Having those five seniors really helped me to get insights from not being in this program and they are still helping me every day,” Gilvin said.
