NCAA gives Gilchrist waiver to play

Big news for Stan Heath's basketball team, as the NCAA on Wednesday granted a hardship waiver to freshman forward Gus Gilchrist that will allow him to play for the Bulls after the semester break in December.

Gilchrist, a 6-foot-10 power forward who transferred to USF from Maryland this summer, will miss the first six games of USF's season but will be eligible for the entire Big East season. His scoring and versatility will be a huge boost in Heath's second season with USF.

"We're all excited. I've already gotten about five text messages from his teammates. Dominique Jones was the first to call," Heath said. "He gives us a guy on the front line who can score and rebound, a true player who can compete against the best players in our league. He has a great opportunity in front of him."

USF had been waiting to hear from the NCAA on Gilchrist since submitting the hardship waiver in August. He originally signed with Virginia Tech out of high school, then asked to be released from that letter following the campus shootings in Blacksburg. He enrolled at Maryland in January, but opted to transfer again this summer after learning of an ACC policy that requires players to surrender a year of eligibility if they transfer between ACC schools, leaving him with only two and a half seasons with the Terrapins.

Gilchrist is one of the most decorated recruits ever to come to USF -- Scout.com rated him as the nation's No. 9 center in 2007, and Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 52 prospect at any position in his class. He considers himself a power forward, but Heath said he could help the Bulls at both frontcourt positions, where the team has limited depth.

"He has the skills of a four (power forward) but the size, and especially the height for a guy inside," Heath said. "Like the other freshmen, he's still learning our system, but he's a guy that makes a lot of positive plays. He'll make a huge impact on the team."

USF finishes its preseason Monday against the University of Tampa, then opens its season Nov. 14 at home against SMU. Gilchrist, like guard Mike Mercer, won't be eligible until the fall semester ends, which coincides with the Bulls' seventh game, at home Dec. 14 against Niagara.

-- Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Comments

[AGW]

Now that Brad Reese has been dropped from his scholarship at LSU, USF needs to make a hard pitch. We were in contention before and now we need to seal the deal. Also, with 3 PG's committed to Oklahoma State Fred Gulley could very well decommit. If he does Stan Heath needs to go after him hard. He does have ties to Arkansas where Gulley is from. Add those two players to a list of Clanton, Flowers, Pateev, Jenirro Bush, Mbai Oliver and Ricardo Ratliffe. If we could land any 3-4 of those guys USF would be serious contenders next season. Also, Jeremy Jacob should be a target for Stan Heath. He has a relationship with Mike Mercer which may help. Plus, UAB just landed Cousins.

[Reality]

Greg,

I don't think one USF frontcourt player could start at UC. And that includes Gus......

[Bull Daly]

This is some much needed great news for USF. I did not think he would get eligible this season to tell you the truth, so I am very excited to see this today.

[DELdaBULL]

WOW! They did it again. If our football coaches were as good as the HARDSHIP WAIVER department we would still be UNDEFEATED!

[G.A.]

Since the Big East preseason rankings came out, Cincinnati has lost its starting point guard for the season and USF has added Gilchrist, so I think the gap between the schools has narrowed.

[DJ]

Hey Dres,

Maryland sucks!!

[DJ]

USF will be very competitive. Reality, I don't think you know what kind of players we have right now. Our guards are in the top five in the Big East. With Gus and Company we do have a decent inside game. You will soon find out what time it is Reality. Heath has done a great job! Go Stan!!!

Yes We Can!!!

[Herman Momart]

I dont care if our basketball players come out of the same penal system as Rick Vaughn. I just want to see some competitive big east ball from USF> But thats me. Im excited to see what Gus, Mercer and DoJo can do together. Definitely will be and exciting and atheltic brand of ball. Throw in the ups of Espinosa, i'll happily be at the games this year.

[Bull Hooper]

low life, at the exhibition game yesterday, Coach Woody clearly was very involved with the team, in much the same way Coach Angeli was last year, perhaps more. Let's play some basketball.

[Lowlifeprogram]

So how is that new trainer doing... You know the one with the baggage attached to Gus.. The one with the 8 grade education? Great job USF, you look like a high school prep 5h year program, rather than a true College... Sad...

[Dres]

Maaaan you shouldve stayed at MD dummy!!!

[The Champ]

Reality I have no idea what you are talking about. If you actually use your computer to look at other sites besides Greg's blog or the Bullspen then you wouldn't have to write things that really makes you appear foolish.

Having said that you are entitled to your opinion just like everybody else.

[G.A.]

Hey, glad for all the readers I can get.

[Tom]

Now I will probably keep checking the blog after our bowl game. This helps you out, Greg.

[Reality]

Champ,

Is this the same reporter that says Gus is a one and done?

This does not make a top 10 team in the Big East.

Do you guys not realize that a top 10 team in the Big East will probably make the tournament this year.

Do you not realize where UC is ranked and have you seen their roster? and their coach is light years ahead of Stan.

Just trying to bring you all back to Reality.

This at least makes the Rutgers and Depaul games interesting!

[gdp]

System??? System??? Dude, put the ball through the hoop, it ain't any harder than that!!!

Seriously - sounds like great news for the hoops team!!

[Mike Lakeland]

YES! No more Big East cellar for USF!

Thank you, Gus!

[The Champ]

The possibility of finishing in the top 10 is better. According to some reporters that cover this league, having Gus takes USF out of the 16th position to a team that can finish as high as 10th.

If they are correct and we end up in the top 10 when it is all said and done our program changes forever.

DoJo has said that USF will be one of the best teams in the league with Gilchrist in the lineup.
Starting 5
PG-Jones
SG-Mercer
SG-Verdejo
PF-Gilchrist
C-Ajayi/Riavs-Sanchez

Bench
Howard
Espinosa
Rivas-Sanchez/Ajayi
Leemow
Emory
Daniels
Williams
Belardo(redshirt)

[Dave W]

That's great! Now the possibility of not finishing last is slightly better!

[Dan]

Best news I've heard all day!!