Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Top Prospect Nerlens Noel Reclassifies to 2012 Class
by jc25 on Feb 2, 2012 12:23 AM EST
in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball
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College football's National Signing Day has wound down, but there's one last late night reveal that pertains to...basketball? Yes, basketball. ESPNU's Dave Telep broke the news that Nerlens Noel, a consensus top 5 prospect in the class of 2013, has decided to reclassify to the class of 2012.
Noel, from The Tilton School in Connecticut, had been rumored to reclassify for some time. In various interviews at various times, Noel has both enabled and shot down the rumor. Noel, who was originally part of the 2012 class, now officially says he plans to graduate this spring and enroll in his college of choice this fall.
That's huge news, as Noel is one of the premier defensive big men in the country. In fact--and it may be blasphemy around these parts--he could be an even better interior defender than Kentucky's Anthony Davis. Noel will shoot to the top of the 2012 recruiting rankings, and ESPNU has already ascended him to #1 overall, ahead of Shabazz Muhammad. In essence, Noel replaces Andre Drummond, who had been atop the 2012 board before reclassifying and heading to UConn.
The Huskies are also noteworthy when it comes to Noel's recruitment. As one of the programs local to Noel (a Massachusetts native), Connecticut is a prime contender for Noel's commitment. He's already unofficially visited UConn and Providence, and will tour Syracuse on February 11. Noel isn't keeping his recruitment strictly local, though. He told ESPNU that he also plans to visit Kentucky, Florida, Georgetown and North Carolina.
Kentucky has been heavily involved in Noel's recruitment. John Calipari was so impressed by Noel's defensive prowess that Cal extended his first class of 2013 offer to Noel. Pragmatically though, Noel's decision to reclassify is more bad news than good when it comes to Kentucky's recruitment of the big fella.
First, Kentucky is limited by its current commitments, as three scholarships are already taken by signees Alex Poythress, Archie Goodwin, and Willie Cauley. While Cauley, who would man the center position, likely wouldn't scare Noel off, it's still worth noting that Kentucky has already "filled" its center spot. Further, Calipari may prefer to allocate its remaining scholarships and recruiting time to targets the Cats have been doggedly pursuing--most notably, Muhammad and Anthony Bennett. Finally, Noel may simply have more of a comfort level with the schools that are closest to him and have pursued him the longest. The less time Calipari has to recruit Noel, the less likely a positive outcome. Think Drummond or Jarnell Stokes.
Still, I expect Kentucky will factor heavily in Noel's recruitment. And if there's one thing Big Blue Nation has learned when it comes to recruiting: never count out Coach Cal.
Follow my Twitter feed (@JC_Hoops) for the latest updates and keep an eye out for the next 2012 big board update.
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Jeez, jc, I went to post this news and you've beat me to the punch
If Cal can somehow lure him away from Syracuse and possibly UConn – the schools that along with UK tops his list – I’m sure finding a schollie won’t be a problem, especially with the Cats losing up to six players after this season.
Great job as always, jc.
Some morning thoughts
Connecticut should be considered a major player. BBN fans like to talk about how Noel can just slide in to replace Davis, but he can do that at UConn too, taking over for Andre Drummond.
Don’t sleep on Providence. They have two really good c/o 2012 commits—Ricky Ledo and Kris Dunn—and can sell Noel on this being a program-changing class.
I do think Kentucky has the lead in the non-local schools.
to what extent does the development of AD vs Drummond affect things?
Davis is getting all kinds of pub for his defensive prowess (and rightfully so) whereas I haven’t seen much of anything about Drummond on the general basketball sites.
UConn has a recent history of being a good school for defensive-minded big guys (Thabeet, Okafor, etc) but Cal is pretty good about improving big guys too.
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
Not sure on development
But Drummond is still rated near the top on NBA draft mocks. DX has him No. 2 behind Davis for 2012, however, NBADraft.net moved him just recently to the 2013 draft.
Somehow I think Cal can find a way...
to adjust to such a problem of riches. Back to the drawing board. Certainly would make for an interesting team. :-)
Have to beef up if his listed weight is correct at 200# at 6’10", that’s 20 pounds less than Wiltjer who is an inch shorter.
Not likely
More a decision of another year of HS vs. college for Noel. His recent dominant performance at the Hoophall Classic, including a pelt over Mitch McGary and Brewster, probably sealed the deal.
The fact that he’s looking to take all his official visits also leads me to believe he’s still open in his recruitment.
Speaking of that
Do we know the specifics of this reclassification? Is he that acedemically good that he can graduate early or was he almost bad enought to warrant another year? My conern would be over whether he would be ready to handle the college academics enough to remain eligble and not drag the team GPA down too much. Though I would love it if he was another Knight who carries the team in GPA.
"Teach him how you will, a pig will never play the flute."-Thom Merrilin
Hope they get him...
He and Shabazz would look great in UK blue!
"I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s the worst celebration of all time. I didn’t know what to do. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
by HansonManCrush on Feb 2, 2012 8:18 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Not A Positive
Which is dissimilar from a negative. While UK could certainly use his defensive presence next year as a replacement for the departing AD I think he better fit the plans of the following season, plus IMO the reclassification removed the slight lead Calipari had over the recruiting competition.
With the growing utilization of the basketball academies by the exceptional players I predict that reclassification/early departure will become more and more a standard, and a focus of the NCAA.
"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
I'm not sure what DX is thinking
They’ve got both Teague (15) and Harrow (14) in the 2013 draft. Seems highly unlikely to me that both UK point guards would be so highly ranked in the same draft.
How are we limited to recruits?
I’m a little confused when this article says we are limited to recruits, considering we are going to lose Vargas and Miller to graduation, and Jones, Lamb, Davis, Teague, and MKG are all most likely NBA bound. That’s 7 players. And we have 3 coming in with Poythress, Goodwin, and Cauley. Someone want to explain to me how there’s not room for Muhammad, Bennet AND Noel? What am I missing here?
Limited is a relative term
From an overall numbers perspective, Kentucky should have more than enough for a 6-man class short of “catastrophe”: say, MKG, Jones and Lamb all tear their ACLs and decide to return for another year.
Realistically though, there’s only a limited number of scholarships for “elite” prospects. 5 star players generally don’t want to sit on the bench their freshman year—particularly behind another freshman.
Right now, Goodwin would “slide in” for Lamb, Poythress for Jones, Cauley for Davis. I feel strongly that Cal had intended to close with Muhammad (for MKG) and Bennett (Jones/MKG hybrid), and if he was getting similar positive vibes from both, I don’t know that he wants to risk rocking the boat by throwing a late reel in for Noel as well.
Of course, if he could close with Muhammad, Bennett, AND Noel…that would be unreal.
agreed, also, a lot can happen...
…between then and now. Look at what happened with Michigan’s Mitch McGary. When he signed, he was a #2 recruit, now they’ve dropped him down to #20. Who’s to say the same thing can’t happen to any of the recruits Cal is chasing. Or they could go up as well…
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-basketball/recruiting-analyst-explains-mitch-mcgarys-ranking-slide-says-michigan-basketball-still-has-terrific/
I think this take you guys out of his process
because of Willie Cauley and the need for UConn to fill the big man shoes. I think he’s UConn bound.
-Contributing Writer at The Crimson Quarry.
Sounds like wishful thinking to me.
That won’t stop Noel. It may change Cauley’s mind. Noel is far better than Cauley.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I don't think so.
Cauley is currently a 4* prospect. Cauley would be best served by a year as Noel’s backup, then starting the next year. Lamb and Jones have already set the precedent for coming back and improving the second season.
Agreed on UConn being a favorite
But don’t think it’s the Cauley factor.
Right now, I think UConn can sell Noel on being the centerpiece of their recruiting class. Likewise, Providence can tell him he’ll be the frontcourt headliner. That’s something that UK and UNC just can’t offer. With those, Noel will be another cog, albeit an important one.
Most 5* fancy themselves the best of the best, and some players want the spotlight all to themselves. Not saying that’s Noel, but it’s a consideration with him coming on late in the recruiting process.
As for Cauley, I think it would work backwards. Cauley may feel some angst at being “recruited over”, and although most analysts have Cauley pegged as a multi-year player that needs development, Cauley has come out and said that he wouldn’t be averse to being a 1-2 year player that goes to the NBA.
If Noel does not want to come here
because he would be part of the team, then he for damn sure does not need to come here.
Making waves in a sea of blue.
Let's all hope that Cal can "sell" Noel on the idea of coming to UK.....
unless that premise seems offensive to anyone.
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 2, 2012 9:58 AM EST reply actions
A grain of salt
UK isn’t for everyone Cal said, so law of averages says we won’t get every #5 star recruit, but doesn’t mean we can’t wish for it though.
speaking of recruiting...
…have any of you been reading those “Recruit X” articles on ESPN? They’re interesting to say the least.
http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/2683/pay-for-play
Cuse has a lot of frontcourt depth
Fab Melo might go pro due to academic ineligibility, but if he gets his affairs in order he is universally regarded as needing another year of experience. You can also add Year 2 of 5* Rakeem Christmas and Year 1 of 5* Dajuan Coleman. Baye Moussa Keita also gets double digit minutes and he will return. I don’t expect Noel to be the least bit concerned with Willie Cauley, but 3 5* centers plus a veteran Jr. should give him pause if he’s at all concerned about PT. UCONN will also have a lot of returning depth, lead by Alex Oriakhi, but it is not the caliber as Syracuse’s. Plus Calhoun has already showed no loyalty to Oriakhi. I think Syracuse will only be a major player if Melo leaves for the NBA and UCONN will be if Drummond leaves. Drummond’s said he’ll return, but we all know how unlikely that is.
As for Willie Cauley, I hope Cal is willing to massage his ego throughout the recruitment of Noel. Cauley has the potential to be a great contributor for the Cats, but he’s not good enough for Cal to forsake recruiting the best player in the class. Noel is the player I most want out the remaining recruits (I recognize that he’s No. 1 and this statement borders on being too obvious).
It would be great for Noel to come to UK
Although the constant comparisons to AD might be irritating for him to have to deal with.
Cal has long been thought of as a PG coach with good reason, but with Cousins, Harrellson, and now Davis he is putting together a great re’sume’ (how do you get little accent marks above e’s?) for developing big men.
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
Maybe...
He is super competitive and wants to top AD :-) who knows what his mind set is.
by JohnPike on Feb 2, 2012 2:31 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
That's worth a try for Cal
He’s going to be compared to Davis regardless of the team he plays for. He’d be compared to Davis if attended Wazzu in 2020. Swat artists of this level are always compared to one another neither geographic nor temporal distance could separate Noel from Ant Davis in the minds of scouts.
coming out early..
does that automatically mean Noel would be a 2 year acquisition, since he would still be measured by when his “class” graduated, or is he automatically moved up to the class he graduates with by the NBA and/or NCAA? (rule hounds, I need clarification).
If he's already being mentioned in 2013 drafts then I assume it's only 1 year
This would be different from Stokes who reclassified mid-semester so his graduating class is still 2012 (and not 2011). Noel would graduate in 2012.
Of course, I could be completely wrong about that.
Statistics is the part of mathematics that God didn't invent. - Ethan Smith
wouldn't be the first time some one got it wrong
I thought there was an age component to the requirement too. and have no idea if he complies with it. hence the question.
by blenheim bard on Feb 2, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
not sure i agree on stokes...
i really think that if UK had had an open scholarship, we would have have a better chance of getting him. UT was really his only option as UK and Memphis were full. not sure on florida.
on drumond – you are probably right
we’ve yet to hit on a reclassifying prospect – maybe 3rd time is the charm…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
UH OH
ITS AN ORANGE INVASION!!
feb 11th ladies, N squared will be in attendance at the carrier dome, his future home. noel is a smart guy. he knows paypal cal is slim shady. he knows the state of kentucky is only good for the three M’s…and now you’re thinking, what are the three M’s?
Moonshine
Meth labs
Mountain dew in baby bottles!!
FAB’S BACK
CHAMP
CHIP
CUUUUUUUSE!!!!!!!!
???
I see no reason why ‘Cuse isn’t a viable option for Noel.
That being said, the rest of your post is ignorant and offensive.
I know right..
Its like a reference page on how to offend someone from Kentucky.
by JohnPike on Feb 2, 2012 3:54 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Screw this guy - he has his head up his ass as most SU fans do - he needs to pull out and see the Blue Light of the day
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
is one of the best college sbnation blogs, in my opinion. The fact that fab-SU-lous has never commented there, according to his profile, should tell you something about his intentions.
Yeah.
He’s been warned. If he shows up again with that kind of stuff, it won’t be for long.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
nice
i have the sea of blue after me.
CUSE INVASION
that's not something you want.....lol
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 2, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
I love this Cuse guy
This is practically performance art. Oh goodness. Obvious trolling, multiple exclamation marks, and ALL CAPS? He’s distilled everything people hate about internet commenters into a delicious concoction of comedy. These comments are the funniest thing I’ve read in weeks. The best part is that he ends his later comments with CUSE INVASION (although I was disappointed with the lack of exclamation marks following it). Mr. fab-SU-lous, might I suggest ending your next comment with:
¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡CUSE INVASION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Starting with the upside down exclamation mark, Spanish-style, really emphasizes the point. Otherwise, you’re being too subtle. Too conclude:
¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡CUSE INVASION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I remember playing the 'Cuse-
It was in a National Championship game. We sent them home with a big L tattooed across their foreheads…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
It seems to me that we have owned Syracuse, for the most part.
Why yes, we have. We are 8-3 against them all time.
They just broke a 3-game losing streak to UK back in 2000, 52-50.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
just stating facts
big blue needs to know that the skinny unibrow raptor looking thing standing in the paint is going to get muscled by the boys come early april. yes, i hope UK makes it that far. our chance to prove it.
CUSE INVASION
not really
You’re stating a mix of opinions and inaccurate stereotypes. The only fact you mentioned is that Nerlens Noel will attend a Syracuse basketball game.
It is your opinion that Noel will choose Syracuse. As above, all I would say is that is a reasonable scenario. It is your opinion that Syracuse will physically dominate Anthony Davis. Again, everybody is aware he’s not the biggest center. LSU tried pushing him around, and it didn’t work. Of course LSU is not a championship contender.
I’m not going to comment on the hateful stereotypes, because experience has taught me there’s nothing I can say to a troll to change his/her mind. Back to work.
blah blah
you forgot to mention the FACT that davis has a UNIBROW.
maybe that’s the kentucky style. unibrows. mullets. hoedowns. hootenannies. once noel sees that thing in person, the uni alone will scare him far far away from blue grass.
…don’t lose to ole miss
CUSE INVASION
Please read ...
… the community guidelines before commenting again.
Thanks for your cooperation.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
all I can say is
bring it on. we’ll see what happens come March.
by cat stevie on Feb 2, 2012 4:25 PM EST via Android app reply actions
All the Syracuse fans I've met are nice people.
Obviously, we’ve never met. Syracuse is a fine program with many fine fans. They even had an assistant coach named Fine, who’s been in the news a lot lately. I slipped away from the hoedown long enough to learn that a sentence starts with an upper case letter. By the way, the word ain’t you see on the next line is for emphasis, not because I don’t know that it’s improper grammar.
Slogan for the NCAA: If it ain't broke, break it.
When I went back and read what I had posted
it may have been a little too personal. My apologies to the BBN in general and to Glenn and Ken in particular.
Slogan for the NCAA: If it ain't broke, break it.
gee whiz
is kentucky blue that thin skinned?
we orangemen have passion. hence the phrase WE BLEED ORANGE.
just telling you the facts.
one fact being that NN is coming to upstate new york.
CUSE INVASION
This has been an interetsing study
At first I was annoyed, then I thought just another troll who won’t stick around. But you keep commenting (and doing it with great flair, I have to admit), and now I think it’s quite funny. You amuse me for the moment.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡Stop skimping on the exlamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I suppose fab-SU-lous is a victim of his own success. He set the bar too high on his initial post and can no longer reach those lofty heights. It just makes me wish Behind the Music was still on. If he had just taken the time to learn from constructive criticism, this sad fate could have been avoided. Now he’s the Oasis of internet commenters. I repeat:
¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡CUSE INVASION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Facts?
What facts? A fact is something you can demonstrate or prove. What you have are opinions, and wildly uninformed ones at that.
If you have something useful or valuable to add, you are welcome. If all you are going to write is nonsense like this you may be excused, and go over and post this crap at Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. My guess is they’ll give you the same treatment if you throw up garbage like you have here.
You have no idea where Noel is going and neither do I. Syracuse already has too many front-line players, and if he does go there you may well lose one. Neither Kentucky nor UConn is likely to have that problem. Not only that, UConn would seem to be a more likely destination than Syracuse to me.
Right now, my feeling is that he is leaning toward Kentucky if he’s leaning at all.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
That's it.....I am changing my handle to Fa-blue-lous.......lol
I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Feb 2, 2012 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly, JC
I can’t see Cauley as “filling” the center spot. He’s there until someone else better gets recruited, and his career path at UK is more likely to resemble that of Kyle Wiltjer than Anthony Davis. We know that Calipari will try to improve on Cauley, just like he tried to improve on Stacey Poole.
Plus, you have to remember that we have only 10 guys on scholarship if you don’t count the ones that were given to walk-ons on an as-available basis. We will certainly lose at least 3 players if not more, and that leaves 3 more rides available should we need them.
There is no scholarship crunch, there are plenty of rides even if Teague stays around. So I don’t get that comment at all. I think UK has a terrific chance at Noel, and I would argue that we are either the leader or co-leader for his services at this point.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Glenn Logan on Feb 2, 2012 5:07 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Totally agree ... I would think he was leaning UK ... saw him play at the Peach Jam - very good handle and alters shots with his presence around the basket.
Fab Melo is the center piece of the Syracuse zone defense … I don’t see Noel wanting to play in that kind of system – Calipari’s defensive and offensive schemes allow these players (4* and 5* guys) to show case their abilities rather than hide their disabilities…
Glenn
Honestly, I hope you’re right on Noel.
I do think Cauley will be more Wiltjer than Davis, but I can’t shake the feeling that Cauley doesn’t think that way. Just my opinion.
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