What's new

On the radar: 2012 Draft Class

Michael Gilchrist - Love Michael. Great kid. Huge character guy. One of the hardest workers I've ever seen play the game. He has taken the subway 90 minutes EACH way to school the past couple years so he could play for St. Patrick high school. Dad died when he was little, raised by his uncle, who had a heart attack just moments before Michael was to make his college choice. With a dozen family members in the room, it was Michael who performed CPR on his uncle for 18 minutes, before he died in his arms. As a small forward, Michael averaged more than 5 blocks per game. I'm going by memory here but I think he was somewhere around 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks per game against top competition. UNDERRATED shooter (better than 40% from 3 last year, though he chooses his shots carefully rather than volume). Good comparison - Scottie Pippen.

I believe I read somewhere (ESPN's scouting report?) that Gilchrist averaged 14 rebounds and 6 assists his senior year. I know I didn't miss read it, cause I reread it like 20 times to be sure (those are beyond incredible numbers for a SF). But I can't say if it was a misprint.
 
My list (somewhat in order of desire):

-Gilchrist if he can show a better ability to shoot the 3 with confidence and more volume. What am I talking about? He's a freshman, what do I know. He seems exactly like what the Jazz need right now (a defensive-minded physically imposing wing with a mentality to match, can stretch the floor and do a lot of everything)
-Harrison Barnes. He seems like he could be the OTHER exact thing the Jazz need (real star potential), and at a position that is a bit shaky right now anyway.

-Nemanja Nedovic (very, very intriguing player to me. He seems like he could be everything you want at the position)
-Marquis Teague (based on potential, he could be everything I hate)
-Kendall Marshall (I've seen him projected in the 2nd round which would be great, and his pure point ability/instincts very much intrigues me)
-Jordan Taylor looks like a steal to me if he stays as under-the-radar as he has.


Next year is going to be a very interested draft. Between the proposed changes to the draft in CBA talks, to the Jazz potentially have two lottery picks or no 1sts at all, where their 2nd might fall, and the possibility of no season at all... well... we don't know a DAMN thing.
 
Good call. Beal is a straight up STUD ... and NO buts about it.

Totally agree. He averaged, what, 32 points his senior year? And all the scouts say he gets his points within the flow of the offense, unlike Rivers.

Beal is a guy who flat out gets it.
 
I was looking at players I thought could help the Jazz go to another level. Sullinger could be bigger and better this year, but seems redundant with Kanter and Favors. Perry Jones is a big who wants to play like a guard, but maybe he'll start to realize his potential this year. Terrence Jones is a bit of a tweener. I've always liked his ability to rebound and his toughness, but I'm not sure he really adds too much to the team, unless we're going to move Millsap. Same could be said of McAdoo, who is a 6'8" PF with a face-up game right now.

Brad Beal should totally be in the discussion. He's a smart, skilled, all-around player. I'm not sure if he'll be better than Burks or not, but probably is better coming out of high school. A lot of people would take him over Rivers.

Assuming there is a season of some sort and things play out as expected, the Jazz should have at least one pick in the top 10 and be able to get one of these guys we're discussing.
 
I was looking at players I thought could help the Jazz go to another level. Sullinger could be bigger and better this year, but seems redundant with Kanter and Favors. Perry Jones is a big who wants to play like a guard, but maybe he'll start to realize his potential this year. Terrence Jones is a bit of a tweener. I've always liked his ability to rebound and his toughness, but I'm not sure he really adds too much to the team, unless we're going to move Millsap. Same could be said of McAdoo, who is a 6'8" PF with a face-up game right now.

Brad Beal should totally be in the discussion. He's a smart, skilled, all-around player. I'm not sure if he'll be better than Burks or not, but probably is better coming out of high school. A lot of people would take him over Rivers.

Assuming there is a season of some sort and things play out as expected, the Jazz should have at least one pick in the top 10 and be able to get one of these guys we're discussing.

My opinion is Beal over Burks .. in maybe every category but height.
 
From DX;

Clearly the most impressive prospect seen at this event, small forward Michael Gilchrist (#4 Scout, #3 Rivals, #3 ESPN) looked like the type of player who could step onto a college campus and contribute immediately, despite being only 17 year old.

With a noticeably improved frame, possibly an added inch of height, and the same terrific competitiveness we've written about repeatedly over the past two years, Gilchrist made an unbelievable impact on the game he played and pretty much single-handedly took down a very good Bishop Gorman squad.

Gilchrist's defense remains his defining trait, and looks to be approaching a level where he could get minutes against pretty much any type of opponent. The added strength he's put on has allowed him to play with even more aggressiveness, and when combined with his terrific wingspan and basketball IQ, makes him an absolute terror both on and off the ball. He starts playing defense as soon as the opposing squad inbounds the ball, getting up in his matchup's chest, attempting to deny him the entry pass, while also maintaining the presence of mind to be ready to help out his teammates if needed. He's phenomenal on the ball, active and intense, yet fundamentally sound, smothering with his length, and extremely physical. He's just as good off the ball, though, with his anticipation skills in the passing lanes, and ability to rotate as a help-side defender. Showing big, strong hands, and the willingness to make his presence felt on the glass, Gilchrist is an excellent rebounder who will go well out of his area for extra possessions.

Constantly talking, directing, leading by example--whether on the court or standing up cheering from the bench—Gilchrist looks like exactly the type of player you'd want to have on your team.

Offensively, Gilchrist was extremely aggressive, making a couple of shots both with his feet set and off the dribble from the perimeter, and doing a good job posting up his man. His advanced ball-handling skills remain improvable and his shooting mechanics are still not ideal, but his ability to bring the ball up the court, beat his man off the dribble and find the open man with pinpoint accuracy allows him to play multiple positions on the floor. He's always looking to set up his teammates, but has no problem asserting himself and taking a big shot himself if the situation calls for it. One of the most mature players we've ever seen at this level, Gilchrist is a player that NBA teams will likely fall in love with as soon as he lands in college. Physical attributes, defensive ability, scoring instincts, intangibles—he's a rare player who brings a complete package of skills to the table despite being only 17-years old. Whether he develops the offensive polish needed to emerge as a go-to option at the highest level remains to be seen, but no coach will ever complain about the effort he brings.
[Read Full Article]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIBA U-17 World Championships: Top American Prospects
August 16, 2010
Michael Gilchrist came off the bench and didn't look to force his offensive opportunities except when called upon. Nonetheless, he played an important role on this USA basketball squad.

Gilchrist did his best Scottie Pippen impression, defending the power forward position on one end and running the point on the other. He utilized his excellent size, length and athleticism to make his presence felt in Team USA's full-court press in particular and was a real sparkplug for his squad. He crashed the offensive glass, got in passing lanes, passed the ball unselfishly, and finished extremely well around the rim, firing up himself and his teammates, but always staying steady and under control.

Gilchrist's offense is still a work in progress, particularly his outside shot, which can be very streaky, but you can't teach the basketball IQ and competitiveness he brings to the table. His intangibles are especially impressive when you consider the fact that he's just 16 years old. His instincts and commitment to defense are exceptionally rare traits for a player this young and give him a great platform to build upon as he continues to develop his offensive game.
[Read Full Article]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial High School Player Scouting Reports, Part One
August 14, 2009
It would have been nice to see a lot more of Michael Gilchrist, considered by many to be arguably the best long-term prospect in high school basketball.
 
Honestly, looking a year ahead and really knowing nothing, I'd trade the GS pick for Jrue Holiday if Barnes and Gilchrist either don't look good or won't be on the board.

But again, that depends on a lot of factors that we don't know.
 
It amazes me that many mock drafts have Gilchrist outside of the top 10. I'm not even convinced that Barnes has better long term potential.
 
Back
Top