by Alex Schwartz

The best player in America regardless of class is off the board, and his name is not Brandon Knight. While Knight's pledge to Kentucky was obviously huge news on the first day of the late signing period, it was Michael Gilchrist's verbal pledge to the Wildcats that was the biggest story. Gilchrist, a 6'7 junior combo forward from St. Patrick's (NJ), is considering by many recruiting analysts, including your truly, to be the number one player in the country, all classes considered.

The news that Gilchrist would be announcing his decision today came out yesterday to the surprise of all. It was immediately assumed that Gilchrist would select Kentucky, though Villanova was considered a major player. At approximately 5:50pm today on ESPNU, the versatile Garden State stud ended the speculation and declared his intentions to attend Kentucky, selecting the SEC school over Nova and Oregon.

Gilchrist was kind enough to take some time this evening to talk with me on the phone about his commitment. While we did not speak for a long time, the first member of Kentucky's class of 2011 did shed some light on his decision.

"I mean, it was a Coach Cal thing. All these universities were recruiting me, but their style of play [really appealed to me]. That's about it," said Gilchrist on how he selected Kentucky. His affinity for UK Head Coach John Calipari has been known for a long time, but there were some thought that the appeal of playing close to home at Villanova would win over.

"It was real hard," replied Gilchrist when asked how difficult it was to say no to the Big East school. "I [have] known Jay Wright since I was in ninth grade and I love the style of play there, but I couldn't go there, I picked Kentucky."

Gilchrist gave John Calipari the news of his commitment less than 24 hours in advance of his public announcement. "It was [Tuesday] night actually," said the elite prospect, who is still just 16 years old and will not turn 17 until September of his senior year.

Asked what Coach Cal's reaction to Gilchrist telling him he was committing was, the 08-09 NJ Gatorade State Player of the Year responded, "I think he was real happy with the situation."

Some people have thought that once Gilchrist, the best player and biggest name in the class of 2011, picks a school, fellow prospects would follow him there. The new UK-commit thinks that he will indeed help recruit players to the storied powerhouse.

"I think I am. I wanna win, that's about it. I will recruit them, but I'm worried about me right now," remarked Gilchrist.

Big Blue Nation is clearly thrilled with the commitment of Brandon Knight for next year, but it is the addition of Michael Gilchrist that is the true catch of the day for John Calipari and Co.

Note- photo is from http://www.slamonline.com/