BUILDING GILDER: ADMON GILDER'S TOUGHNESS ON AND OFF THE COURT
Written By Ethan Bomhof
“Admon is very tough. It’s really who he is. I mean, he's physically tough. He's mentally tough. He’s emotionally tough,” said Calgary Surge head coach, Nelson Terroba.
Admon Gilder brings a high level of toughness to the Calgary Surge. From day one, the American guard has bought into the Surge’s identity of being gritty and hard to play against. However, Gilder has not only embraced those team characteristics, he has also led by example.
“Any team I’ve played for, I’ve tried to be a rock-solid guy,” said Gilder. “Whatever you need me to do, I can be the guy to fill in the blanks.”
The Dallas, Texas native has gone above and beyond just filling in the blanks. Gilder’s play for the Surge has put his name right into the conversation for CEBL defensive player of the year. His 1.8 steals per game slotted him in third in the CEBL. In three separate games this season, he snatched four steals. Gilder’s defensive prowess goes beyond the scoresheet as well. He is frequently tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top scorer.
“We can depend on [Gilder] to complete his defensive assignments and to put everything he's got into that assignment,” said fellow Texan, Nelson Terroba.
Gilder’s stifling defence hasn’t come by accident. Like many others growing up in Texas, Gilder played football. He credits his youth experience playing both football and basketball at James Madison High School in Houston.
“In high school, we picked up on defence for a full 94 feet. That’s what won a championship there,” recalled Gilder. “That’s what we’re trying to do here in Calgary too.”
Overcoming adversity
Admon Gilder is not only tough as nails on the court, but he embraces overcoming adversity off the court. The six-foot-four guard coined his identity and personal brand “Grind 3 Adversity” and credits his experiences and family for that mindset.
“That didn’t start with me and a lot of people don’t know that,” explained Gilder. “My mom had breast cancer and she’s a seven-year survivor from it. My grandma also died from it.”
“I found out she had [breast cancer] right before my state championship game in high school. So, I was going out to win it for her. She’s my inspiration and motivation.”
The adversity Gilder and his mother, Paula, have faced has made them stronger and tougher. The toughness that Gilder’s family has shown him has translated to his play on the hardwood. Although he gives a very mellow, low-key vibe, The Gonzaga product is a bulldog on the court. His tenacity is unmatched and always takes his energy to another level.
“Our ultimate goal is to win a championship,” said Gilder. “Sometimes you got to flip that switch. Sometimes you have to defend, sometimes you got to go score. It comes with being a professional. You have to go out there and give it the best of your ability.”
“Dad-mon”
A highlight of the Calgary Surge’s inaugural season was the Father’s Day victory over the Winnipeg Sea Bears. Gilder had an incredible performance in front of his mother, Paula and daughter, Kailey, who had both been flown out to attend the game. Kailey’s father gave her a moment she won’t forget when he stole the ball and laid it up for the bucket plus the foul. Admon found Kailey sitting courtside and celebrated with a hug. It was a moment that was made for movies and something that Gilder holds close to his heart.
“That Father’s Day was special for me. It was the first time [Kailey] saw me play as a professional. I’ve played in Poland, Finland, Israel and now Canada and I finally got to see her sitting courtside at a game. That was just so special to me.”
Gilder has earned the respect of his coaches, his teammates and all Calgary Surge fans. His tenacious defence sets a standard for the rest of the team. Starting all 20 regular season games for the Surge, Gilder walks the walk of the description of himself as a solid and reliable ball player. His impact on and off the court contributes to the mantra of “Calgary Surge Basketball.”