July 2, 2012
SEATTLE - Gilles Dierickx (pronounced Je-EEL, Deer-ECK), a 6-foot-11 center who played for Isiah Thomas at Florida International last year, will transfer to play basketball at the University of Washington, Husky Coach Lorenzo Romar announced on Monday. The University received Dierickx's financial aid agreement and he will have three years of eligibility at Washington after sitting out the 2012-13 season due to NCAA transfer rules. "Gilles is a very skilled post player that can step outside as well as play on the block," Romar said. "He is someone that has potential for a lot of growth and he gives us some size at 6-foot-11." Dierickx averaged 2.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 29 games for Florida International as a freshman in 2011-12. He made 15 starts, including the last nine games of the season for the Panthers. He shot 48.6% from the field - second-best on the team - and was 8-for-10 from the free throw line. He recorded career highs of 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Dierickx was born in Ghent, Belgium but moved to the United States to play basketball as a high school junior. He spent two seasons at West Hills Chaminade in West Hills, Calif. where he averaged 13.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks during his senior season for the Eagles. He was on the East roster for the 2011 "Battle of the Valley" All-Star Game. He averaged 7.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game as a junior. Dierickx is the son of Filip Dierickx and Ariane De Pauw and has one sister, Valerie. He plans on majoring in international business. |
