“Comfortable” Gilchrist Chooses Terpdom
Ron Bailey, Publisher
October 22, 2007 – In the wee-hours of yesterday, 6’9”, 230 pound frontcourt standout Gus Gilchrist decided what college would be his future college home: The best frontcourt player in the Washington/Baltimore area last year as a senior, standout at Progressive Christian Academy (Oxon Hill, MD) had his pick of schools, as Georgetown, West Virginia, Virginia, Kansas State and a slew of others had either tendered the high school post graduate scholarship offers or shown major interest, after he decommitted during late spring from Virginia Tech.
But of all the schools previously noted in his recruitment, one Atlantic Coast Conference institution was doing a very effective stealth job of recruiting him, as they were never publicly thought to be prime players in Gilchrist’s recruitment, but worked hard to lure Gus nonetheless. That school, the University of Maryland, hosted Gilchrist for an official visit last weekend, and at that time Gus knew becoming a Terrapin was what his future held.
Gilchrist (center) and family before Saturday's football game - left to right, father Augustus Sr, mother Donna, Woody's fiance Tomeaka, and Woody.
“I had a great visit, and feel pretty good about my decision” stated Gilchrist yesterday morning. Gus went on to share he used the experience on Maryland’s campus to “get a feel for the coach and the guys. I was very comfortable with everybody”.
Gilchrist’s findings more or less made Maryland the place for him, as he determined “They are a real good group of guys, and I like Gary Williams (the school’s long-time coach)” – his verdict was informed by not only interacting with the team and coaches, but attending a scrimmage and the school’s homecoming football game against arch-rival Virginia (an unfortunate 18-17 loss).
Of course during the scrimmage, Gilchrist saw Williams’ team utilize their flex offense, the program’s primary offensive deployment. To that end, Gus has no pause regarding his ability to flourish in it. “I feel I can do well in the flex offense” opined Gilchrist, a big man capable of posting, shooting out past three point land, running lanes, blocking shots, rebounding, and defending. “I’ve played in the flex offense pretty much my whole life when younger, and last year at Progressive when Terrelle Woody (his trainer and mentor, as well as periodic coach) was coach”.
Gilchrist, (center), with the 2007 Capital Classic All-Star team.
Enrolling at Maryland in January, Gilchrist will redshirt, leaving him a full four years of eligibility at the school located in College Park, a half hour drive from Gus and his family’s Clinton, MD home. The prospect of seeing their son play so close to home is exciting to his parents, Augustus, Sr. and Donna. “He’s made the right decision, and it has made me happy personally” noted his father. “Now, he’ll attend a great school and we don’t have to be travel to support him”.
Gus averaging 22.4 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks en route to dominating in last year’s Capital Classic All-Star game are indications of Gilchrist’s impressive on court improvement- he’s developed from a sophomore complimentary guy at Friendly High School to a legitimate big time player. Gus’ father is proud of his son’s growth, noting his son improved leaps and bounds “in the last year”, not only “as a basketball player, but also as a person”.
Those are true words indeed, as through hard work and maturation, Gus Gilchrist has become a force: He’s no longer that young, shy guy supporting present day Big East player Sam Young; Gilchrist is a person to be reckoned with himself that will surely impact the ACC greatly next year. This smart, hardworking young man has the world as his oyster.
And his first foray into it, will be at Maryland.
Additional Gus Gilchrist Coverage:
Hoop Magic's Back to School Showcase All-Stars
MD Hurricane's Tournament All-Stars