VITALS: 6-3, 194 OVERVIEW: Gilchrist established himself as one of the top players in the country after averaging 24 points and six assists, while shooting 63 percent in leading the Terrapins to the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championship in 2003-04. He had 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the final against Duke. The powerfully- built point guard had his attitude questioned by coach Gary Williams this season as Maryland struggled to a 16-12 record. However, he still averaged 13.9 points and five-plus assists and rebounds, while shooting 43 percent, including 38 percent from the arc. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Gilchrist's fractured relationship with Williams has saddled him with baggage. If his talent alone were being evaluated, Gilchrist could be selected in the late stages of the first round. Every pick that goes by in the second round that isn't him indicates how much damage was done. Look for him to be selected in the late 30s or early 40s. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Lindsey Hunter COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Chris Whitney ROLE PROJECTION: Backup point guard. POSITIVES: Gilchrist played well against the ACC's best point guards, who were some of the best guards in all of college basketball: Chris Paul, Raymond Felton, Jarrett Jack and Julius Hodge. He has the quickness to penetrate to the basket or to back his man off a few steps and pull up for a mid-range jump shot. He has range out to the college 3-point line, although he prefers to pressure the defense by bringing the ball closer to the basket. SHORTCOMINGS: Gilchrist didn't always react well to adversity. His coach thought that rather than trusting some of his young teammates at Maryland, Gilchrist tried to do too much on his own. While some around the program characterized that as selfishness, others felt it was out of a strong desire to give his team the best chance to win. As a point guard, Gilchrist must do a better job of establishing a relationship with his coach. P oint guards who do not do that don't last in the NBA very long.
