ESPNU | Brandon Knight, Michael Gilchris Top Player 2011

ESPNU | Brandon Knight, Michael Gilchris Top Player 2011 On Hot Topics --- ESPNU | Brandon Knight, Michael Gilchris Top Player 2011. ESPNU says Ray McCallum will join Brandon Knight and Trey Zeigler, as well as 2011 prospect Michael Gilchrist, in announcing their choices during ESPNU's show at 4 p.m. EST/1 p.m. Arizona time. Coach John Calipari received a verbal commitment from Michael Gilchrist, the top player in the class of 2011. The high school junior chose UK over the likes of Oregon and Villanova on a signing day special aired live on ESPNU.

Coach John Calipari received a verbal commitment from Michael Gilchrist, the top player in the class of 2011. The high school junior chose UK over the likes of Oregon and Villanova on a signing day special aired live on ESPNU.

My name is Michael Gilchrist and I am a 16-year-old junior at St. Patrick High School. I live in Somerdale, N.J. I want to thank God for blessing me with this talent and with the opportunities that have been presented to me.

I know there has been a lot said about me attending St. Pat's because of the distance that I travel every day — 164 miles. Yes, it is a lot, but these last three years have given me some of the best experiences of my life. My parents have always taught me that when you really want something and you think it's worth going after, you have to give it all you have. In my family, faith, hard work and sacrifice is normal. I know if you have a dream that you really think you can obtain, hard work and sacrifice is what it takes to get to the dream.

I love to play basketball. God gave me the talent to play, so I'm just doing my part. When I look at the big picture, the distance is just one of the sacrifices I make to secure my future. Other people may think it's a big deal, but for me it's not. St. Patrick was my choice and I'm very happy about that.

Today (April 14) has special meaning to me. My late father, Michael Gilchrist Sr., would have been 44. He passed away when I was 2, and I know he would be so proud of me right now. I wish he were here to share these times with me.

I want to thank my mother, Cynthia Gilchrist Richardson. Obviously I would not be here if not for her. But I want to say that I could not ask for a better mother, friend, confidant and adviser. I love her very much. Thanks also to my stepfather, Vincent Richardson. His hard work has taught me how to keep my focus. His sacrifice for family has taught me how to keep my feet on the ground. He's been a great dad. I also want to say thank you to my grandmother, Reneé McCleary, for always being there for me and to my sister, Tasha Richardson, for teaching me how to play defense. I have a very large family, and so many of them have been there for me. I just want them all to know I love and appreciate them.

Michael Gilchrist by all indications is a very down-to-earth kid that happens to be an elite basketball player. He is a rare combination of talent that cares more about victories than personal accolades.

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