November 18, 1998
Jamaal Gilchrist of Middleburg, Va., has signed a national letter-of-intent to play college basketball at Texas A&M, Aggies coach Melvin Watkins said Wednesday.
A 6-1 guard from Notre Dame Academy, Gilchrist averaged 11.4 points, 9.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 4.3 rebounds per game as a prep junior, leading the team to the state championship and earning all-state honors. He started all 45 games last season and posted highs of 26 points and 16 assists. He is an honorable mention All-America this season by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.
"Jamaal is truly one of the top defensive players in the country," Watkins said. "The first time we saw him, we fell in love with the way he pressures the ball and the way he plays the game. Adding him makes our recruiting class one of the best in the Big 12 in the early signing period."
"I like the athletic facilities at A&M, especially Reed Arena, and I was impressed with the academic program," said Gilchrist, who also was recruited by Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and George Mason. "They have an excellent business school and I want to major in business. Texas A&M is a good school with a friendly atmosphere and I feel it is the school for me."
"Jamaal will be a tremendous asset to the Texas A&M program," Notre Dame Academy coach Ed Hoffman said. "His outstanding leadership and competitive spirit will enable him to be an impact player."
Gilchrist is the Aggies' third recruit in the early signing period. He joins 6-5 guard Bernard King of Gibsland, La., and 6-7 forward Carlton Brown of Temple (Texas) Junior College.
1998-99 TEXAS A&M RECRUITING CLASS Player Pos Ht Wt Hometown (High School/College) Carlton Brown F 6-7 210 San Antonio, Texas (Jay/Temple JC) Jamaal Gilchrist G 6-1 175 Middleburg, Va. (Notre Dame Academy) Bernard King G 6-5 180 Gibsland, La. (Coleman)