This is an honest question, since I have absolutely no knowledge of these players, but what makes Gilchrist better than Kahwi Leonard? Sounds like a very simimilar type of player. Or is it just simply that he's similar but better?
Leonard has never been seen as a top-shelf elite prospect (except by MWC fans). <---- I know some will take major exception to that.
Gilchrist was named the best high school player in the nation (at any grade/age) as a freshman (fwiw, Wall was a senior at that same time). Since then, he has maintained that level of play, night in ad night out, for the next four years. Why is he not the #1 pick in the mocks? Most believe he has been so well known/followed, for so long, that other players have simply been the new thing (have to shake up the rankings for hits, ya' know?).
Do I believe Gilchrist is the best NBA prospect in the nation? Probably not, when factoring position, ticket sales (the sexy player), etc. However, as a baller, there's no one in college basketball that is 'clearly' better.
Back to Leonard. Gilchrist is more athletic, WAY better understanding of the game, goes 110% every second, team leader, character to perfection, phenomenal instincts on rebounding, finding the open man, hitting the big shot, and he will be a defensive all-star. In short, yes, he's just WAY better.