Michael Gilchrist All USA Boys Bastketball Team UK Signee 2011 Class

Michael Gilchrist
By Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
6-7, Forward
St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J.

College: Signed with Kentucky
The facts: Averaged 19.4 points, 14.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 5.2 blocks as a senior, leading team to a 26-1 record and No. 2 spot in the USA TODAY Super 25 boys basketball rankings. He traveled 154 miles round-trip every day to school from his home in Somerdale, N.J., near Camden. He was the MVP of the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., and co-MVP of the McDonald's All American
Game.
Sports family: His father, Michael, Sr., played alongside Milt Wagner on a state championship team at Camden High in 1981. He was shot to death in Camden in 1996 when Michael, Jr., was three. Michael's favorite player is his cousin, former NBA player Dajuan Wagner.

Outside of basketball: "I'm into poetry. I'm not a rapper at all -- I just like writing and reading poetry. Sometimes it works with girls."
People don't know: "I'm just a humble guy. That's about it."
Favorite teacher: "Mrs. (Lisa) Padua for Math and English (in middle school). She's cool and I look up to her. Also Mrs. Debbie Halpin (from middle school)."


Super power: "I'd like to be able to fly." Season highlight: "Winning the championship at the City of Palms Tournament in Fort Myers (Fla.)."

Other favorite sport: "I like soccer. I played it when I was little, but I don't remember what position."




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