Former Division 1 head coach and veteran assistant Brian Nash took in a few games yesterday at the Prime Time Shootout - and Nash takes a closer look at one of the elite seniors in the nation: Michael Gilchrist.

Brian Nash
Special to FOXSports.com

UNION, N.J. - Michael Gilchrist scored 28 points and pulled down nine rebounds in leading his top-ranked St. Patrick’s Celtics to a 73-61 victory over St. Thomas More (Conn.) before a packed house at The Primetime Shootout Sunday at Kean University.

Gilchrist, who was playing in front of his future coach, Kentucky’s John Calipari, dominated the game on both ends of the floor as he has come so accustomed to doing. On the losing side, No 1-ranked junior Andre Drummond was impressive with 17 points and eight rebounds.

In having seen Michael play numerous times this season, it is so enjoyable to see a kid play as hard as he does every night out. He has a ferociousness about his game that has separated him to the elite level of players.

Strengths: Most gifted players at the high school level allow their talent to carry them on most nights. Gilchrist combines his talent with a passion and drive that you do not see too often from a high school athlete. His athleticism makes him an incredible rebounder who tracks down boards all over the floor and above the rim. His ball-handling has improved to the level where he can rebound the ball and lead a fast break while making good decisions. He is the ultimate mismatch as an offensive player in the halfcourt. Put a bigger player on him and he will beat you off the dribble, throw a smaller player on him and he will post you up. He possesses a deadly pull-up jumper to 15-feet and has improved his 3-point shooting so that you must respect him to 20-feet. On the defensive end, he is tenacious and really gets up for the challenge of shutting opponents down. He plays great team defense, which is a trademark for a Kevin Boyle-coached team.

Weaknesses: Gilchrist must become a more consistent shooter with range. He will be a small forward at the college level and a consistent perimeter shot will make him a deadly penetrator to the paint and rim. His ball-handling must continue to improve to allow him to fully transition from power forward to small forward.

Michael Gilchrist is a jack-of-all-trades on the basketball court who possesses the ability to do everything well. He will be an impact player at Kentucky from day one and will help the Wildcats compete for a National Championship!