Since this is my first piece for Nation of Blue I think it’s only fitting if I start from the beginning. First off I’m a New Yorker born and raised, and a student at West Virginia University. Now that we got that out of the way It’s time for me to take a closer look at some of the players that UK is currently targeting in the class of 2012.
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Andre Drummond (#1 overall)- While the Wildcats are loaded in the frontcourt for next season you have to think the only one remotely likely to stay is Kyle Wiltjer, who is more of a stretch 4 anyways. If Cal can lure Drummond away from UCONN there’s a good chance top prospects would follow and UK would have the top class yet again.
Shabazz Muhammad (#2 overall)- Again, Terrence Jones and Mike Kidd-Gilchrist are probably going to enter the draft next season so the addition of a wing like Shabazz would be the perfect fit. He’s a long and athletic player that makes others better while still being possibly the most explosive scorer in the country. UCLA is also heavily involved with him but his first official is to UK, that has to count for something.
Mitch McGary (#4 overall)- McGary has exploded onto the scene this spring so it’s only right that Cal should be going after this kid. His skill set is amazing and he plays with a high motor . He is pretty much an Anthony Davis clone so it AD decides to go pro he would be a nice replacement. When I talked to Mitch a couple of weeks ago he said he was “very interested” in coming to Kentucky.
DaJuan Coleman (#5 overall)- Another traditional big man who is a bruiser in the paint, Realistically UK only has room for two out of Coleman, Drummond and McGary. Still Coleman might be a long shot considering he is from Syracuse, but if he’s favoring the hometown Orange, why hasn’t he signed with them yet? Hopefully Cal can work his magic on this talented post.
Brandon Ashley (#6 overall)- Ashley is more of a combo foward, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents. If he were to commit to the Wildcats he would be a really nice replacement to Jones, playing the exact same role as him. What’s more impressive is that he plays for the Oakland Soldiers, meaning he’s used to playing with a lot of talent like he would at UK.
Archie Goodwin (#8 overall)- The Arkansas native is the best player to come from AK since Joe Johnson, he posses a rare ability to get into the lane as well as a deadly jump shot. He has been quoted as saying that he will not be the first player to commit to the Wildcats, meaning his recruitment is nowhere near over. He recently broke his wrist but still averaged around 20 points at the Peach Jam this weekend, which shows how great a scorer and competitor he really is.
Ricardo Ledo (#13 overall)- The one time Providence commit is potentially the most dangerous scorer in the class of 2012. He is super athletic and posses great size for the shooting guard position at 6’6, the only knock is that he gambles on defense and with his shot selection too much. Still, Ledo’s talents are off the charts and due to his size and handles he could play anywhere from point to small foward, making him a dangerous option for Coach Cal and the BBN.
Alex Poythress (#17 overall)- Poythress’ recruitment could be one of the more interesting ones this season. Memphis is heavily involved and after coach Cal offered him this weekend Alex says UK is in the mix as well. Looks like it will be a battle of student vs teacher for the talented small foward’s services. He is great at attacking the rim and uses his length extremely well on defense. He can knock down the open three pointer, but it is his rebounding ability that is truly special, and as well all know, rebounding ability translates on any level of the game.
Perry Ellis (#19 overall)- It’s going to be hard to land him, but coach Cal might not want anyone more than he wants the talented foward from Kansas. Bill Self is also coming hard on Ellis so this will be another recruiting battle. Ellis is a fantastic rebounder and can score in the post with ease. If he’s left open he can knock down the jumper from 15 feet. Duke is also after him pretty hard so this might be one of the hardest battles coach Cal will fight all season
Anthony Bennett (#47 overall)- Bennett is easily the most interesting player on this list, personally I think he has the potential to be a top 10 player, and given the spring he’s been having it’s hard to argue otherwise. The big man from Findlay prep via Canada is a fantastic rebounder and can score on the block with ease or step out and drill a three. Him ending up at UK is more important than just his skills though, because if coach Cal can build a Findlay to Kentucky pipeline and steal some guys away from Texas the BBN will become even more powerful.
