The Most Impactful Kentucky Basketball Players (1981-1982-Present): #13 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

#13 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

2011-2012

St. Patrick High School, Somerdale, NJ

If there was ever a player that was meant to play for John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats, it’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Already famous for the documentary “Prayer for a Perfect Season”, MKG was known for his freakish talent, his drive, his intensity, and his will to win. His personal story of perseverance over tragedy and his always optimistic attitude made him one of the easiest players to root for in the history of the Wildcats.

He graduated from national powerhouse St. Patrick high school with a host of accolades including Gatorade State Player of the Year, New Jersey Mr. Basketball, Parade All American and McDonald’s All American. He received MVP awards in both the McDonald’s All American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. He was once the overall #1 recruit in the 2011 class, but was jumped by future teammate Anthony Davis.

Kidd-Gilchrist joined Davis, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer as a member of Calipari’s third straight #1 class. And this class proved to be his best and is looked on as one of the greatest of all time.