Gamecock basketball point guard great Jackie Gilloon has died
Former South Carolina men’s basketball guard Jackie Gilloon, 65, has died.
The Gamecocks men’s basketball program on Thursday confirmed Gilloon’s passing in a social media post. The cause of death wasn’t immediately known.
The six-foot New Jersey native and Memorial High School graduate is considered one the greatest point guards in Gamecocks history. He played for legendary USC coach Frank McGuire, and his playing style often drew comparisons to “Pistol” Pete Maravich.
A former USC media guide bio called him “one of the most heavily recruited players” on the East Coast.
Gilloon (1975-78) is first in USC history in assists average (5.08), second all-time in total assists (533), fifth in most assists in a season with 156 in 1976, which was also the second-best average in a single season (6.5) and tied for ninth most games played (105).
Gilloon spoke of his love for playing the point guard position in a 2008 article in The State.
“Good coaching and learning to play the game early,” Gilloon said of his skills. “Fill the middle on the break and know when to dish. “Of course, playing with guys like I did — Alex English, Mike Dunleavy and the others — didn’t hurt. We had great players all around me.”
Gilloon set a school record for most assists in a game when he tallied 17 against Georgia Southern on Feb. 28, 1976 as well as the record for second-most assists in a game (16) for his performances against Villanova, which occurred a few weeks prior to the Georgia Southern contest.
Additionally, the former guard is etched in history with the second- and third-most steals in a season with 37 (1976-77) and 31 (1977-78). He’s one of the Gamecocks’ 1,000-point scorers, ending his career with 1,027 points while averaging 9.8 during his time on the hardwood.
The Memorial High School Alumni Association posted this message to its Facebook page on Thursday: “It is with a very heavy heart I announce the passing of one of Memorial’s greatest ever basketball players passing, Jack Gilloon. Jackie was no doubt the best I had gotten to watch play and what a show he put on in every game. He lit up the court and was unstoppable. Aside from being a great player, I was blessed to be able to call him my friend. Rest easy Jackie, know that you were loved by everyone. Thanks for the memories my friend.”
This story was originally published January 6, 2022 at 5:33 PM.
