On November 11, 2016, Gilbert made his collegiate debut, scoring 14 points in a 67–58 loss to Wagner. Two games later, on November 17 versus Loyola Marymount, he suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder that would require season-ending surgery. Gilbert subsequently redshirted the season. On November 23, 2017, as a redshirt freshman, he scored a then-career-high 16 points in a 71–63 win over Oregon at the Phil Knight Invitational. In his next game versus Michigan State, Gilbert injured his left shoulder. He attempted to play through the pain in his following game against Arkansas before being sidelined. On December 28, it was announced that he would miss the remainder of the season and likely undergo surgery.
