Clarification added Oct. 5, 2011: The first question in a Q and A with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in Wednesday's Herald-Leader was edited for space, and to add context. In reference to the death of Kidd-Gilchrist's father when the player was age 2, Jerry Tipton said: "My father died when I was 2 years old. So that grabbed my attention. How did that affect you?" (The story below has been edited to reflect this).
Question: My father died when I was 2 years old. So that grabbed my attention. How did that affect you?
Answer: It wasn't just me. It was me and my mom. She didn't know what to do. We had my grandma, too. My uncle Darrin (Kidd) was there, too. I want to play this game for him. That's how it was.
Q: Wasn't your father a good player?
A: I think he won a national championship (for Camden High School in New Jersey).
Q: You legally added "Kidd" to your last name. What influence did your uncle Darrin have in your life?
A: He was like my father in life. He taught me a lot.
Q: What stands out when you think of the lessons he taught you?
A: Family is first, and just stay humble.
Q: What led you to add your uncle's name?
A: I had two fathers, basically, so that's why I did it.
Q: Your uncle died of a heart attack the day you signed with Kentucky. What do you remember about a day of such highs and lows?
A: I woke up, (and) I was very excited. Then around 11 o'clock, I went (to my uncle's house). I walked in, and he was laying on the floor. And my little cousin was right there.
Q: Your uncle had taught you how to perform CPR. Did you try to revive him?
A: I did. I dropped to the floor and was doing CPR.
Q: What happened?
A: No response.
Q: You asked UK to give you No. 14 because your father was born on April 14. Why?
A: I wanted to try something new. I wore '31' my whole life.
Q: Why did you wear No. 31?
A: He had that number in high school.
About Gilchrist: One of Kentucky's four McDonald's All-Americans in the class of 2011, he is already projected as a lottery pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He is known as a tireless competitor and leader who is an excellent defender, rebounder and aggressive offensive player. His dominance and presence in high school reminded many of LeBron James at the same age.
