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.
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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.
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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.