With the commitment of [URL=”http://www.nationofblue.anthony-davis-has-officially-committed-kentucky-2285/”]Anthony Davis[/URL] to Kentucky, the 2011 class is a lock to be the nations number 1 recruiting class for the third year in a row.
Coach Calipari has turned into a recruiting machine, taking his incredible ability to relate to the players, his proven history of getting players to the NBA, his willingness to recruit “troubled” players and the stardom name of Kentucky to the next level.
Attacks on Calipari’s credibility have occurred and will continue. If you expect the opponent to ever slow down in this area, don’t, because it’s not going to happen as long as he continues to recruit top-notch talent at almost a hand picking pace.
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At some point, other coaches or most likely their staff, will start pointing fingers, putting out wild rumors ($200k to Davis) or maybe even flat out accusing Calipari of beating around the recruiting immoral tree.
Enough about that soap box topic, let’s move on to the one we’re truly here to talk about, the Recruiting Class of 2012. On this three part series, we will focus on the six current top 25 recruits, receiving interest from Kentucky.
Today we’re going to focus on the Top 2 recruits, the Number 3 and 4 overall players, DaJuan Coleman and Shabazz Muhammad, respectively. In our second post we’ll place our focus on Khem Birch and D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera then finish with L. J. Rose and Alex Poythress.
[URL=”http://rivals.yahoo.com/basketballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-98647″][B]DaJuan Coleman[/B][/URL] | Coleman is a 6-8, 280lb Center out of Jamesville-Dewitt High School in Dewitt, New York. He is ranked as the No. 3 overall player according to Rivals.
[I][URL=”http://espn.com/”]ESPN[/URL] | This young big body post is tough to handle in the lane when he is motivated. Coleman is talented and powerful. He scores through contact with ease and does a good job of drawing fouls. Coleman power dunks drop off passes created by dribble penetration or on any clear path to the rim. He is an excellent area rebounder on both ends of the floor and has the strength to take the ball out of smaller post player hands.[/I]
[I][URL=”http://scout.com/”]SCOUT[/URL] | A wide framed big man, he used his size inside to shield defenders from his shot. He does have a great touch around the basket, a nice set of hands and an impressive jump hook move. When he plays hard and is aggressive he is a load to handle inside.[/I]
[I]A physically imposing big man, Coleman has been known to have his way with the opposition in the paint. For a guy his size he moves well and he has a good set of hands.[/I]
Currently he is one of two 2012 Recruits who has received a scholarship offer from Kentucky and Coach Calipari.
Coleman in action on [URL=”http://www.nationofblue.2012-kentucky-recruit-dajuan-coleman-2305/”][B]Nation of Blue TV.[/B][/URL]
[B][URL=”http://rivals.yahoo.com/basketballrecruiting/basketball/recruiting/player-Shabazz-Muhammad-91532″]Shabazz Muhammad[/URL][/B] | Muhammad is the No. 4 overall ranked player and No. 1 in his position. He is a 6-5 shooting guard from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Nevada.
[I][URL=”http://espn.com/”]ESPN[/URL] | Muhammad is a very talented player with off the charts athletic ability. This lefty can glide on the break and finish above the rim with flare. In the half court Muhammad can score inside and out. He just abuses smaller perimeter players in the low post with a quick turn shot where he simply elevates over them. He can hit the mid range pull up and can knock the down the spot up open three after sprinting the lane on the break or by reading dribble penetration and moving to the vision of the passer.[/I]
[I]Very talented lefty with versatile game. Can score in a variety of ways and a very good athlete. Potential elite prospect in the class of 2012.[/I]
[I][URL=”http://scout.com/”]SCOUT[/URL][/I] [I]| Muhammad measures his success – in the win column. The effort is consistent and the results take care of themselves. For the most part, he takes what the defense gives him and springs into action with a quick release and crafty game. [/I]
[I]He’s content to take his licks and go to the line as he did in the evening game and he knocks down his freebies. A relentless player with exceptional talent, he’s won over college coaches because they feel he plays the game with passion and heart.[/I]
[I]Easily the most impressive wing in the 2012 class, his offensive package continues to improve, as he seems to score every way imaginable. He’s left his imprint on the summer in a big way playing with Dreamvision.[/I]
[I]Everything about the way he approaches the game is business like. He’s advanced offensively and seems to always bring out a new wrinkle. With the improvement of his jump shot, he’s starting to become dominant on the offensive end. He’s an elite talent in the 2012 class.[/I]
Currently, Kentucky is the only school, on his list of 14, that has yet to offer Muhammad a scholarship. If he continues to play the way he did this Summer, he would be hard for Coach Cal to pass up.
Muhammad in action on [URL=”http://www.nationofblue.2012-kentucky-recruit-shabaz-muhammad-2304/”][B]Nation of Blue TV.[/B][/URL]
The current Class of 2011 has three top 10 commits and should have no less then seven scholarships available, if Coach Calipari wants to utilize them. Knight, Kanter and Jones are all projected lottery picks, even before putting on a UK uniform, Harrellson will graduate and the Cats have three scholarships available from this years team.
There are still plenty of names on the Big Board for the 2011 Class, and trust us when we tell you Calipari is actively pursuing his ‘more than fair share’ of the remaining talent.
The 2012 Class doesn’t appear to be as talented as 2011, but, it does have what the 2011 and 2010 Classes didn’t have, a super selection of Big Men…
Look for Part Two of “The Future of Kentucky Basketball – 2012′ tomorrow at this same time.
Until then, Go Cats!!!
