Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

AS A FRESHMAN IN 2016-17
Exploded on the scene in his first season in Richmond … voted to the five-man OVC All-Newcomer Team … started 29 games and ranked 10^th in the OVC in scoring (15.9 points-per-game) and ninth in assists (3.8 assists-per-game) … led all freshmen in the league in both categories … broke EKU's freshman scoring record with 494 points … the previous mark was 489, set by Antonio Parris in 1983-84 … his 494 points were the sixth-most of any freshman in the country during the regular season … one of only seven freshmen in the country to average 15.5-plus points and 3.5-plus assists-per-game during the regular season, joining the likes of Washington's Markelle Fultz, N.C. State's Dennis Smith, Jr. and Kentucky's De'Aaron Fox … voted OVC Freshman of the Week seven times, the most of any rookie in the league … posted 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists in his collegiate debut, a 98-87 win over IUPUI on November 11 … came off the bench and scored 19 points – 17 in the second half – to lead EKU past in-state rival Western Kentucky, 78-59, on November 30 … dropped 24 points and six assists in a road win at Jacksonville in early-December, and then went for 23 points and six more dimes at Norfolk State later in the month … when OVC play started, did not let up on the gas pedal … ranked eighth in the league in scoring (17.3 points-per-game) and seventh in assists (3.8 assists-per-game) during conference play … had 25 points and six assists in a win over SIUE on January 5, and then posted 26 points and five helpers at traditional power Murray State on January 19 … on February 1, he knocked down six three-pointers in a 24-point showing against Austin Peay … two weeks later, he scored a career-high 28 points at regular season champion Belmont … in Eastern's season finale – a 75-71 win over Tennessee Tech on February 25 – Gist contributed 22 points, five assists and only one turnover.

HIGH SCHOOL
Played for legendary coach Bob Hurley Sr. at St. Anthony High School ... selected to play in the prestigious Jordan Brand Classic Regional Game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York following his senior season ... made history as a senior, becoming the first player to win the New Jersey Tournament of Champions with two different teams ... went 32-0 with the St. Anthony Friars and won a TOC title in 2014-15 ... scored a game-high 16 points in the TOC final ... was a freshman on the 2013 Roselle Catholic TOC winner ... averaged 14.8 points-per-game as a junior at Marist High School in 2014-15 ... rated as a three-star prospect ... final three schools were EKU, Central Florida and Bowling Green ... also had offers from the likes of La Salle, Penn, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Fordham and South Florida.

PERSONAL
Full name is Asante Jamar Gist … son of James and Kim Gist … majoring in business.


Get to Know Asante Gist ...

One thing people probably don't know about you:
I love to cook

Why did you attend EKU?
I chose EKU because Coach Dan was recruiting me at Seton Hall, and when he came here he put me as a major priority. I like the campus and I like the atmosphere. We are all like a family

If you could live anywhere in the world, it would be:
California

Your proudest accomplishment:
National Honor Society, three-time state champion and two-time Tournament of Champions winner

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
I would buy a house for my mother and father

If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, it would be?
My mom's spaghetti

Favorite NBA player and team:
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers