The Season That Was: Keith Gerdes

The strong play of freshman big man Keith Gerdes has won him ACAC rookie of the year honors, recording 12.6 points per game with seven rebounds per game while averaging 0.87 blocks a game.

Gerdes was part of a trio of Alain Mony'ele, Adam Boyd that would ultimately lead MacEwan's exciting playoff run, capping the season off on a six-game winning streak. Using his 6'8 frame and sizeable wingspan he corralled his fair share of second chance points and key boards.

Although it wasn't until the semester turnover that Gerdes really upped his game, the drastic roster changes put him right at home in the low post. With the loss of six players following winter break, one could imagine a team in serious disarray. Keith Gerdes would respond by becoming a leader for a team loaded with freshmen like himself.

Photo by Dat Bui

Every practice there's a bellowing voice that fills the otherwise empty gym, it's the recognizable voice of Keith Gerdes. Quite likely, it is his vocality is the trumpet that helps lead the Griffins to victory.


He would average 15.2 points a game for the entire second half of the season, compared to just 8.5 in the first nine games. The roster turnover would make him the primary post player in the Griffins rotation, and credits his success to coach Magdanz running more plays through him. His defence has helped him stay on the court this season, guarding bigger and more experienced players.


As many players were adapting to their new roles Gerdes fit right in at starting center, despite being reluctant to declare himself as either a center or power forward. The versatility has obviously treated him well.

Gerdes is a product of three-time city champion Harry Ainlay high school (Edmonton).