He has already assembled the #1 recruiting class in the nation, but according to Cal, the Cats could add one or two more recruits depending on what current players choose to enter the 2011 NBA Draft. ([URL=”http://www.kentucky.com/2010/11/11/1519657/calipari-jacked-as-2011-class.html”]source[/URL])
So who will it be? We have stated multiple times here before that we think Trevor Lacey is the strongest possibility (and yes, we’ll look pretty silly if he signs elsewhere). Lacey has a final five of Alabama, Auburn, Connecticut, Kansas and Kentucky (in alphabetical order – he says there’s no favorite). He doesn’t seem to be in any hurry, so don’t expect him to sign this week. Of his commitment, Lacey said:
[QUOTE]“I just took my ACT for the first time on Oct. 23, so I’m waiting back on my score,” said Lacey, who estimated his grade-point average at 2.7. “Once I get my score I can then take all my official visits. Once I take those, I’ll probably make my decision after that.”[/QUOTE] ([URL=”http://highschoolsports.al.com/news/article/5417524903119660024/butlers-trevor-lacey-tabbed-no-1-super-senior/”]source[/URL])
There have also been two big men in the 2011 class that we have reported on here: Michael Chandler and Adjehi Baru. Michael Chandler was a favorite earlier this year, but he never received an offer from Kentucky. He wound up committing to Xavier last month, but then de-committed yesterday. Is he still an option for Cal? I would say no. If Cal wanted him, he’d be here by now.
Then there is Adjehi Baru. UK was supposedly showing ‘heavy interest’ in Baru last month. He is originally from the Ivory Coast and considered one of the best unsigned big men left in the class. Yesterday however, his guardian sent his final list to ESPN, which included Maryland, North Carolina, College of Charleston and Virginia Tech. You’ll notice Kentucky is not on it.
There are several other uncommitted players on the radar right now, but the only other realistic option I can see is DeAndre Daniels, who won’t sign until spring and has a list of suitors as long as his 7′ 2″ wingspan. I am about 99% sure there will be no more UK signings in the early period (this week), but the spring signing period is another matter altogether. We’ll need to watch as the season progresses and see who might transition to the NBA early. As we discovered last year, any of UK’s starters could go to the NBA, so keep an eye on Miller, Liggins, Knight, Jones and Lamb (Kanter to the NBA is assumed). And if the NBA lockout happens, things could REALLY get interesting.
