St. Patrick forward Michael Gilchrist played Thursday night in the team’s 82-48 victory over The Hun School and should be ready to play Saturday against Christian Brothers in the 2010 Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase at Monmouth University and Monday against Findlay (Nev.) Prep at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass.
The top junior in the nation, Gilchrist had been out with a right knee strain suffered in a win over Union Jan. 2. He underwent an MRI on Jan. 5.
“He played [Thursday] night,” St. Pat’s coach Kevin Boyle said. “He ran in practice, worked out and then he got the OK to give it a go. I gave him about 10-15 minutes [in the game] to see how he reacted and he seemed fine.”
The 6-foot-7 Gilchrist had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks in the Hun game. Duke-bound point guard Kyrie Irving poured in 30 points.
“[Gilchrist] looked good,” Boyle said.
Boyle said the team is obviously happy to have him back.
“Without question,” Boyle said. “Moreso for him. He’s a young kid. Nobody wants to miss the season when you’re a junior in high school and especially with the number of games we have coming up.”
Boyle said Friday’s practice would be key to make sure Gilchrist is feeling OK.
“Obviously, today’s always a big day. The day after, to make sure nothing went wrong after a game situation,” he said.
Villanova and Kentucky lead for Gilchrist, often touted as a future NBA lottery pick.
(Photo courtesy SI.com)
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