Even though we’re a year away from seeing the 2011 recruits, it’s hard not to be excited about them already. All ranked in the top 20 of the ESPNU rankings, Anthony Davis, Michael Gilchrist, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer will all reported sign with Kentucky during the early signing period which starts this Wednesday. Those four recruits give Coach Calipari the top recruiting class in the nation for the third straight year.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Let’s take a look at each recruit and the ESPNU overview of each:
[B]#2 Anthony Davis:[/B]
Strengths:
Davis is one of the most versatile players in the 2011 class and has huge upside. He is a highly productive and coachable kid that fills up a box score while impacting the game in so many areas. Defensively he is a game changer as an elite shot blocker with an unreal wingspan and terrific timing, he rebounds balls in and out of his area and is always a threat to go highlight real on an offensive put back. He can defend multiple positions; as a former guard he understands how to guard the perimeter against quicker smaller opponents. He is highly ball handler and is an unselfish player that looks to create for teammates.
Weaknesses:
After growing seven inches in a year, there is no doubt that Davis needs time to put on weight and develop his body to take the pounding at the collegiate level. He also needs to continue to develop a consistently dominant disposition, he is still learning what he is capable of; experience is going to play a big factor in his development as he is new on the scene as a top level player and will need to learn how to respond when teams scout and game plan for him. With the target on his back his mental and physical toughness will be challenged.
Bottom Line:
No one in the 2011 class has elevated their game like Davis. He has gone from a relative unknown to being considered one of the top if not the top prospect in the country. He possesses a refreshingly untainted outlook because he has not been coddled since a young age and should have a tremendous future as a future Wildcat.
Video:
[url]http://www.nationofblue.com/2011-kentucky-commit-anthony-davis-shout-out-big-blue-nation-2632/[/url]
[B]#3 Michael Gilchrist[/B]
Strengths:
Gilchrist possesses the dangerous combination of world-class athletic ability and a thoroughbred’s competitive drive. He brings a certain type of toughness to the floor and is able to impose his will on both his teammates and opponents. He is a consistent producer that leads his team in points, rebounds and blocked shots, but what stands out about Gilchrist is his ability to rebound the ball and defend. Most superstar players are content to put up big scoring numbers and leave the heavy lifting to the supporting cast. Gilchrist takes defending and rebounding personally and wants to be the dominant player on the floor in all areas.
Weaknesses:
Superman had kryptonite so it’s no surprise that Gilchrist has a few weaknesses also. He is able to get by at the high school level with limited ability from the 3-point arc, at the collegiate and professional levels he will face better athletes and more detailed scouting reports. His release/shooting technique needs to be refined to help improve his consistency. Opponents usually choose to concede the perimeter jump shot as opposed to the drive to the rim. With hard work and repetition he has improved his mid-range jump shot from the 12-15′ range, there is no doubt in my mind that he will improve from behind the arc as well.
Bottom Line:
Gilchrist, who is always under the evaluation microscope, has had the No. 1 rated player target on his back for some time and always seems to rise to the occasion when challenged. The kid is a winner with the disposition to dominate and does the dirty work that leads to championships.
Video:
[url]http://www.nationofblue.com/michael-gilchrist-11-2009-maxpreps-classic-2970/[/url]
[B]#6 Marquis Teague[/B]
Strengths:
Teague is the most dangerous open court player in the 2011 class. He has tremendous ball quickness and is almost impossible to stop in transition or one-on-one getting into the paint or to the rim at will. He is first step as if he is shot out of a cannon and he seems to live at the free-throw line as he is strong enough to seek and absorb contact and still finish. He has good court vision and understands how to create for teammates when the defense helps. With his lateral quickness he also has the potential to be a shutdown defender.
Weaknesses:
Although Teague is a wonderful athlete that relentlessly attacks his opponents, he is going to need to learn how to attack a zone and also improve his consistency from behind the 3 point line. Versus zones, which he will see a lot in college, he seemed to disrupt his team%u2019s ball movement and made poor decisions in trying to force the action when it wasn’t there. Also, teams are going to sag defensively and force him to prove his ability to consistently beat them from behind the arc before contesting the ball at the 21 foot mark.
Bottom Line:
Teague is built for Kentucky’s dribble-drive offense and should excel when demanded to defend to his capabilities under Calipari’s tutelage. He is different than John Wall in that he is more an explosive power pack as opposed to a thoroughbred, but should flourish within the system in much the same way.
Video:
[url]http://www.nationofblue.com/marquis-teague-has-crazy-handles-dimes-athleticism-best-pg-11-2750/[/url]
[B]#16 Kyle Wiltjer[/B]
Strengths:
Skills, skills and more skills along with a great feel for the game and basketball IQ are major strengths of Wiltjer’s in addition to his size. He is a match up problem because he can score inside and out with great efficiency. Wiltjer’s back to the basket footwork, moves and touch are a thing of beauty. He can also knock the three in transition by running the floor, trailing or from a pick and pop situation. He understands the value of ball fakes to move the defense and he works for low post position after he screens and seals his defender. Wiltjer is an excellent passer as well out of the post and under pressure on the perimeter. Wiltjer is a good area rebounder as well where he uses length and position as opposed to athletic ability.
Weaknesses:
Wiltjer must give his foot speed and quickness immediate attention, because he must be able to defend on the perimeter when he competes against other skilled forwards. Also low post defense where he must do a better of job using his length and make opponents score over him and not around him should improve as he adds strength.
Bottom Line:
May be the most skilled power forward in the class. He can score from anywhere on the floor and is a match up nightmare. He can pass and handle the ball as well. Needs to attempt to improve his foot speed and quickness and add strength but this young man can flat out make plays on the offensive end of the floor against anyone in the high school ranks. We consider him a cross between Keith Van Horn and Kevin McHale.
Video:
[url]http://www.nationofblue.com/kyle-wiltjer-lite-summer-mix-2940/[/url]
