Gilchrist Rethinking Decision

Ron Bailey, Publisher

May 11, 2007 – Augustus ‘Gus’ Gilchrist shared last night during a taping of Washington’ D.C.’s Sports Talk – a weekday sports/celebrity show hosted by Glenn Harris and carried by News Channel 8 – that he his rethinking his fall commitment to Virginia Tech.

Before being one of three young people to receive the E.G.O.S. Inc (Education, Goals, Opportunities, in Sports) Basketball Player of the Year Award, Gilchrist replied “Everything is up in the air, things have to play out” when asked if he was greatly anticipating attending the Blacksburg, VA school.

During the show’s airing, Gus expounded on his feelings, saying “I just don’t think I’m mentally prepared to go there after the tragedy” – a direct reference to the recent killing of over thirty young people there by another student.

Gilchrist’s situation is far from finalized, as he previously signed a letter of intent, and resultantly will have to be released from it by the school and its coach, Seth Greenberg before being able to attend another school on scholarship, and playing there.

If released, Gus would also have to find a program with a scholarship available; probably a relatively minor consideration, considering his 24 point, 11 rebound, and three block average at Progressive Christian Academy (Temple Hills, MD), E.G.O.S. Player of the Year Award, second team All-Met team inclusion, and Player of the Game recognition during the 34th Annual Capital Classic. At 6’9” and 230 pounds, he would likely be highly sought after, as Gus has improved greatly over the years, and continues to show signs of continued growth.

Experts have noted if Gilchrist’s apprehensions are not assuaged and VA Tech chooses not to release him from his letter of intent, that document – which restricts player movement when signed – several options exist: 1) Attend another school participating in the letter of intent program and be assessed a two year non-participation penalty, 2) Enroll in a prep school or a non-letter of intent participating junior college for a calendar year, or 3) not attend school for a full year. If either of the last two courses of action are taken, he could then matriculate to a NCAA Division I school in 2008-2009.

Not being admitted by VA Tech would also null and void his attendance obligation (there is no information at this time indicating non-acceptance as a possibility, its inclusion here is simply for the sake of providing all possible scenarios).

The next few weeks will be key to Gus’ short and possibly long term future. Check back with i95Ballerz.com for updates on this talented young man’s situation.