FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Marcus Gilbert will continue his professional basketball career as a member of FC Porto in Portugal. The 2017-18 season will be Gilbert's second overseas after playing = in Italy during the 2016-17 campaign.

 "When I signed to play in Portugal, I knew that it was going to be a good opportunity for me to develop my skills and become a better player," Gilbert said. "Speaking with the head coach made me feel comfortable and confident that he will put me in the right positions to succeed on the court."

Gilbert played his first season overseas in 2016-17, splitting time between FMC Ferentino and Viola Reggion Calabria. He started 21 games for Ferentino, averaging 12.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He shot 46 percent from the field and 43 percent behind the three-point arc. He ended the season with Reggio Calabria, starting four of his five appearances. Gilbert averaged 15.8 points in just over 33 minutes per contest.

"My first year in Italy was also a great experience," Gilbert said. "I played in the A2 league which is considered to be one of the most prestigious leagues in Europe. I played with and against many good players and coaches which helped me learn the European style of play. I had a pretty good first year out of college and look to do bigger things this season in Portugal."

Gilbert worked his way into the pro ranks after starring for four seasons at Fairfield University under Head Coach Sydney Johnson. The forward capped his senior season by earning an All-MAAC first team berth in 2016-17.

Gilbert received his accolades after averaging 16.7 points per game which ranked fifth among the MAAC scoring leaders as senior. The forward netted 1,661 points during his career which ranks fourth all-time in Fairfield basketball annals. He places second in the Fairfield record book for career three-point field goals, registering just over 240 long-range jumpers. Gilbert ranked among the MAAC leaders in several categories during his senior season, namely scoring average (5th – 16.7 ppg), three-point field goals made (6th – 2.5 pg), free throw percentage (13th - .782), three-point field goal percentage (13th - .373), and rebounding (19th – 5.2 rpg). He also collected a spot on the All-Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association (MBWA) and earned several NBA workouts following the season.