Michael Gilchrist Changes His Name

by David Cassilo / @dcassilo

McDonald’s All-American Michael Gilchrist will go by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist when he plays his first game for Kentucky this season. The name change is to honor his father, Michael Gilchrist Sr., and his uncle, Darrin Kidd, both of whom are deceased. Kidd-Gilchrist (which he will be known by here from now on) announced the change on his Twitter:

Im Happy! Just got cleared my name is Mike Kidd-Gilchrist repping my Father & My uncle.

Kidd-Gilchrist’s father was killed in 1996. His uncle died the day Kidd-Gilchrist was ready to sign his Letter of Intent. His nephew tried to save his life by attempting CPR on him that day.

Now with a new name, Kidd-Gilchrist will join a highly-touted recruiting class at Kentucky next season that also features Anthony Davis, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer.