Another 2007 Big Man?

Forget Leonard Washington for now, there is a new name to consider in the empty cupboard that is known as the 2007 recruiting class: Augustus Gilchrist. Augustus aka 'Gus' is a 6'9" 240 lbs center who was ranked the #55 overall prospect in the 2007 class according to Scout. He had signed a LOI with Virginia Tech last fall, but had since then requested to be granted a release following the tragedy that happened on VT's campus this past summer. While it had been reported some time ago that he would not be released from his LOI and would likely attend a prep school(making him a member of the 2008 class), according to this article, Gilchrist is still seeking a release from his LOI and is now planning to enroll in college for the 2nd semester in January. Gilchrist is an exceptional big man who during AAU play "battled Patrick Patterson better than anyone" according to Patterson's AAU coach. However, there are some obstacles that must be overcome for Augustus to enroll in January: First, Gilchrist must be released from his LOI in order for any school to contact him. Second, Gilchrist must also be academically eligible to enroll this January. While I'm not exactly sure what interest there is between UK & Gilchrist, if any, it would definitely be a huge pickup for a team that seems to have a huge question mark at the C position. Stay tuned... EDIT: Thanks to kybballcrazy for showing us this link - Gilchrist has been released from his LOI.