Kidd-Gilchrist Underrated?
The freshman wing is characterized by many by his motor, hustle and grind to the do the dirty work. Some analysts believe that with a team filled with so much young talent, Kidd-Gilchrist is the type of player that could lead Kentucky to a national championship. He's unselfish and willing to play the 2, 3 or 4 on both ends of the floor- hitting the glass as a big man, slashing as a wing or knocking down perimeter shots as a guard- simply put, Kidd-Gilchrist can do it all. And that's seemingly flying under the radar as most of the nation is enamored with the length and athleticism of Kentucky center Anthony Davis, the versatility of Doron Lamb or Terrence Jones or even the lightning quickness of Marquis Teague.
Classmate Anthony Davis has put up some monstrous numbers thus far this season, averaging a double-double, but with the struggles and injuries of Terrence Jones piling up, Kidd-Gilchrist has stepped up to a go-to player; he has scored in double-figures all but two games this season, both of which Kidd-Gilchrist was limited in minutes due to an extreme blow-out on the scoreboard. He is second on the team in scoring (14.2 points) and rebounding (7.7 boards), while putting in his work on the defensive end (1.2 steals, 1.0 block per game).
Contrary to the belief that Kidd-Gilchrist lacked a strong perimeter game, he has moved steadily up our Big Board into our Top 5 with his new-found comfortability to play on the wing, knocking down mid-range shots with consistency and driving undeniably strong to the rim.
By President Corey Ruff - 1 - 3 - 12
