Taj Gibson

Taj Jami Gibson, the son of Wilbert and Sharon Gibson, was born in Brooklyn in 1985. Gibson's high school career took him from coast to coast. He began his high school career at Brooklyn's High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology, before moving to Stoneridge Preparatory School in Tarzana, California as a sophomore and junior. He then spent a year at Calvary Christian School in San Fernando, California, before departing for the University of Southern California. While with the Bulls, Gibson worked with various youth groups to promote education. He joined Chicago Public School officials to promote the annual Back-to-School campaign and has provided underprivileged youth with school supplies. You can follow Taj Gibson on Twitter and Instagram @TajGibson. Taj Gibson was a three-year starter for USC from 2006 through 2009. The 6-foot-9 forward provided 12.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a freshman. He played 32.4 minutes per game and hit 55.8 percent of his field goals. Gibson continued to produce in the NCAA Tournament as the Trojans reached the Sweet 16. He had 18 points and eight rebounds in a win over Arkansas, followed by 17 points and 14 rebounds in a win over Texas. He produced 16 points and 12 rebounds during the elimination loss to North Carolina. As a sophomore, Gibson averaged 10.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest. He was named to the All-Pac-12 Third Team and Pac-12 All-Defense Team. In his junior season, the forward was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and made the All-Pac-12 Second Team. Gibson put up 14.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game during his third season. He finished his career with 253 blocks, fourth most in Pac-12 history. With one season of eligibility remaining, Gibson put his name in for the 2009 draft.