Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Forward - Charlotte

Copywriter, J. Sisko

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may have been the second pick in the 2012 Draft behind his former Kentucky teammate, but this 6' 7", 230 pound power forward always plays to be number one. With quickness and never-ending energy, Kidd-Gilchrist believes in playing harder than his opponent in each and every game. In fact, Bobcats owner Michael Jordan says the New Jersey native reminds him of his former teammate Scottie Pippen.

Michael grew up in Somerdale, New Jersey and was considered one of the best basketball players in the country when he played for St. Patrick High School. He was ranked #3 by ESPN.com and Rivals.com, but Scout.com had him ranked #1. In 2010, he played on the gold medal winning team at the FIBA U-17 World Championships.

Kidd-Gilchrist scored 15 points on 5 of 9 shooting as a starter in his first college game. He was described by his college coach as the hardest working member on Kentucky's 2012 National Championship team. Michael made a Twitter announcement in July of 2011 that he had legally changed his last name to Kidd-Gilchrist, in order to honor the other important man in his life after his late father, his uncle Darrin Kidd.

When it comes to his shoes, Michael hasn't decided which sneaker he'll play in during his rookie season in Charlotte, but he does say he prefers a supportive, higher-cut shoe like the Nike Hyperdunk because they are: "lighter and more comfortable on the court." Whichever shoe he ends up wearing, you can be sure they will get a workout on the feet of this high-powered player.