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Future Kentucky Wildcat Michael Gilchrist is MaxPreps.com's top-rated 2011 prospect.
<center>Photo by Todd Shurtleff</center>
Head coach: Kevin Boyle
2009-2010 record: 23-3, No. 18 in final Xcellent 25
Key returnees: Austin Colbert (6-8, 190, So., F),
Michael Gilchrist (6-7, 190, Sr., F, Kentucky),
Derrick Gordon (6-2, 180, Sr., G, Western Kentucky)
Keep an eye on: Jason Boswell (6-6, 185, So., F), Dakari Johnson (6-8, 250, Fr., F), Chris Martin (6-1, 180, Sr., G), De'shawn Suber (6-1, Jr., G)
Scouting report: For most programs, losing a player talented enough to sign with Duke would drop expectations dramatically. That's not the case at St. Patrick, where Boyle will simply ask the nation's best player to raise his game in the absence of freshman Blue Devil Kyrie Irving.
Gilchrist has experienced success in high school, AAU and even international competition, and would love to finish his career with another Tournament of Champions title in New Jersey. And the future Kentucky Wildcat and his teammates will be attacking that goal with a bit of a chip on their collective shoulder after being banned from postseason play a year ago.
Transfers Martin (from Washington, D.C.) and Suber (New York City) will help ease the loss of Irving at the point guard position. Returnee Gordon is also a proven option in the backcourt.
While young, the frontcourt features an intriguing trio including sophomores Boswell and Colbert, as well as Johnson, a member of USA Basketball's Developmental National Team pool.
After winning the MaxPreps Holiday Classic last December, the Celtics will attempt to capture another prestigious tournament title at the City of Palms Classic. Showcase games against Bishop Gorman (Spalding Hoophall Classic) and Melrose (PrimeTime Shootout) are other highlights on the schedule.
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