Olimpia Milano Welcomes Freddie Gillespie: A Centre for Hope and High Fives!
Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano has just made the kind of announcement that makes fans do a double take—like realizing you’ve been playing with a broken remote for three months! Yes, folks, it’s true! The Italian basketball giants have secured the services of none other than Freddie Gillespie, the 2.08-meter (that’s 6’10” for us non-metric folks) center from St. Paul, Minnesota. I mean, when did Minnesota become the new hotbed for basketball talent? Next, they’ll be claiming the title of basketball capital of the world!
Freddie Gillespie comes to Milano from the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian league. I bet the name change will be a bit of a culture shock—one day you’re “down under,” and the next, you’re a stone’s throw away from Milan’s fabulous shopping district. Good luck trying not to buy a designer handbag while simultaneously trying to master offensive rebounds!
Freddie’s Own Words
When asked about his new adventure, Gillespie said, “I’m excited to come and play for Olimpia Milano. There is a history of excellent results at this club that I want to be part of. I feel ready and able to help the team achieve the goals it has set for itself.”
Now, if that isn’t the enthusiastic tone of someone who’s ready to grab the reins—or, more appropriately, the basketball—I don’t know what is! Let’s see if that excitement translates into high-flying dunks or if he will be known more for his “friendly neighborhood backboard slaps.” Fingers crossed for the former!
The Journey of Freddie Gillespie
The career of Freddie Gillespie reads like a sports movie script—lots of ups, some downs, and the ever-mysterious “undrafted” subplot. Starting his collegiate career at Carleton College (not to be confused with the famous Carleton from “The Fresh Prince”), he had a fine showing in Division III. However, it wasn’t until he transferred to Baylor University that he began to make waves. From scoring just 5.3 points per game to nearly doubling that, he was named the Big 12 conference’s most improved player. Someone hand that man a trophy! He certainly earned it—probably after he beat everyone on the team at Monopoly.
After going undrafted in 2020—perhaps NBA scouts were too busy reading their texts on TikTok—he had a stint with Dallas before finding his feet with the Memphis Hustle of the G-League. GPS may not have been needed with the Hustle; he was really ‘hustling’ his way to success with impressive averages of 10.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He then dipped his toes in the icy waters of the NBA—playing for Toronto and Orlando, racking up 29 games total. He played with Bayern Munich before taking the plunge with the Breakers. That’s one international tour I’d happily pay for!
The Wrap-Up
With Gillespie’s impressive stats—6.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game at New Zealand—not exactly flying high like his potential, expectations need to be adjusted. But with a new lease at Olimpia Milano, hopefully, he’ll find that extra gear. If he can channel his inner basketball god, we might be witnessing the beginning of something beautiful. Or at the very least, some really entertaining EuroLeague games! Who’s ready for a season of basketball and breathtaking moments?
Pallacanestro Olimpia Milano has officially announced its latest signing, securing a deal with 2.08 meter tall center Freddie Gillespie. Born on June 14, 1997, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gillespie joins the team after a stint with the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian league, bringing valuable international experience to the squad.
FREDDIE GILLESPIE – “I’m excited to come and play for Olimpia Milano. There is a history of excellent results at this club that I want to be part of. With a legacy of success, I am eager to contribute and help the team achieve the ambitious goals it has set for itself in the upcoming season.”
THE CAREER – Gillespie’s basketball journey began in St. Paul, where he honed his skills at East Ridge High School. He began his collegiate career at Carleton College in 2015, competing in Division III. By his sophomore year, he showcased his talent by averaging 10.0 points per game, along with an impressive 8.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. In 2018, he made a significant leap to Baylor University in Texas, where he continued to develop his game. During the 2019/20 season, he truly came into his own, posting 9.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, earning accolades such as the Big 12 Conference’s Most Improved Player and spots on both the conference’s second team and defensive team. After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks but faced challenges in training camp. Instead, the 2020/21 season saw him excel with the Memphis Hustle in the G-League, averaging 10.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game before realizing his NBA dream with the Toronto Raptors. Gillespie continued to strengthen his game, returning to the Memphis Hustle for the 2021/22 season, where he led in blocks per game with an average of 2.75, aside from a stint with the Orlando Magic. Most recently, he played for Bayern Munich in the 2022/23 season, participating in 26 games and contributing 4.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in just under 19 minutes. Following this, he transitioned to Red Star Belgrade before concluding the previous season with the New Zealand Breakers, where he averaged 6.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
NOTE – Over his career, Gillespie has demonstrated his potential by participating in a total of 29 NBA games, with 20 appearances for Toronto and 9 for Orlando.
**Short Interview with Freddie Gillespie: A New Chapter in Milano**
**Interviewer**: Freddie, welcome to Olimpia Milano! How does it feel to join such a storied club in Italian basketball?
**Freddie Gillespie**: Thank you! It’s an incredible honor to be here. Olimpia Milano has a rich history of success, and I’m thrilled to become a part of it. I’m eager to contribute my skills on the court and help the team reach its ambitious goals for this upcoming season.
**Interviewer**: You’ve had quite the journey—from starting at Carleton College to playing in the G-League and then the NBA. What have been the most significant lessons you’ve learned along the way?
**Freddie Gillespie**: Each step of my journey has taught me resilience and the importance of hard work. Coming from a small college environment to competing in the G-League and the NBA was a huge transition. I’ve learned to embrace challenges, stay focused, and keep pushing myself to improve every day.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned your time with the New Zealand Breakers. How did that experience prepare you for the EuroLeague?
**Freddie Gillespie**: Playing in New Zealand was an eye-opening experience. It was my first taste of international play, and I gained valuable experience competing against diverse styles of basketball. It helped me develop my versatility and adaptability, which I believe will be essential in the EuroLeague.
**Interviewer**: Expectations can be high, especially for someone with your potential. How do you plan to handle that?
**Freddie Gillespie**: I try not to think too much about expectations. My focus is on improving myself and contributing to the team. I believe that if I work hard, stay humble, and play my game, the results will take care of themselves.
**Interviewer**: What excites you the most about playing in Europe and for Olimpia Milano specifically?
**Freddie Gillespie**: I’m excited about the culture and the passionate fans here in Italy. Also, the opportunity to compete at a high level against some of the best players in Europe is thrilling. I can’t wait to experience the vibrant basketball community in Milano!
**Interviewer**: Fans are looking forward to seeing you play. Any message for them?
**Freddie Gillespie**: Absolutely! I just want to say thank you for welcoming me to the team. I’m committed to giving my all on the court, and I hope to make you proud. Let’s make this season unforgettable together!
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Freddie! We’re excited to watch your journey unfold with Olimpia Milano!
**Freddie Gillespie**: Thank you! I can’t wait to get started!
