Craig "CG" Gilchrist

The weekend feature article of the week is highly regarded as one of the best players to come out of our country. Everyone who knows Craig Gilchrist knows him for 2 things, his trademark baseline spin and his nearly unblockable hook shot. While he has played in more countries than I can count, I think this is evidence that he is doing something right with his game and playstyle. His sweet baby jump shot along with his hook shot have taken many a player to school as he even continues to do so now in his early 50’s, but anybody that plays against him will probably agree with me that he is definitely a founder of the school of hard knocks.

Personally, what I find to be a stand out feature of Craigs game is his ability to identify, adjust and teach all while in the game. This is a unique trait that is rarely found in modern day players and with a playing CV longer than me, his mark on the game is unmatched.

I got in touch with him this week to find out about his long service on the National team:

Full Name:

Craig Gilchrist

Age:

50

Hometown:

Vereeniging

High School:

Beachwood Boys High (Now Northwood)

University:

UKZN

Years played on the National Team:

1997-2005

Number of games played on National team:

Not sure....too long ago

Best player you’ve played against:

Magic Johnson , Jean Jaques (Angola)

Favourite/Stand out game to have played at National level:

1999 we beat Senegal at Wembley I had 22 points and 15 rebounds.

Favourite story from national team:

2005 after we lost to Angola in our first game, we had an impromptu team building event........I’ll leave it at that.

A message or lesson to the kids.

You’re not as good as you think you are, never stop trying to learn, never stop trying to get better....