The crown jewel of the 2012 recruiting class is one step closer to becoming a Kentucky Wildcat.
According to ESPN’s Jason Jordan, Duke University reached out to 2012 top-recruit Nerlens Noel, who in turn told the Blue Devils he was not interested and would not be making the trip to Durham.
The news comes shortly after the 6’10”, 215-pound center spent the weekend in Lexington visiting the Wildcats’ facilities. Noel was spotted strolling around UK’s practice facility on Friday and was seated directly behind Kentucky’s bench on Saturday in Rupp Arena to watch the top-ranked Wildcats take down Ole Miss, 77-62.
Noel is ranked as the number one high school recruit in the nation on the ESPNU Top 100.
A master shot blocker with incredible defensive instincts, Noel would certainly be a welcome addition to next year’s Kentucky Wildcats team, especially considering the likely departure of Anthony Davis. The addition of Noel would, in all likelihood, secure a third-straight top recruiting class for UK under head coach John Calipari. Undecided standouts small forward Shabazz Muhammad and power forward Anthony Bennett are also on UK’s radar.
Connecticut, Georgetown, Florida, North Carolina, Syracuse and Providence are among other schools that have sent offers to Noel.
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