While most people have noticed the soaring stocks of recruits like Mitch McGary and Devonta Pollard in the most recent rankings, they aren’t the only ones on their way to the top.
In fact, Willie Cauley of Olathe (Kansas) Northwest is still growing—in his game and height.
Standing 6-foot-10 with an enormous wingspan, Cauley has quickly grown into a very popular recruit amongst many schools. Of those schools, Kentucky has expressed premature interest.
“(Kentucky) isn’t recruiting me too hard, at least not like Alabama is, but I would love to hear more from them,” said an appreciative Cauley. “Coach Orlando (Antigua) and I swap messages on Facebook all the time, though.”
Antigua was also at most of the big man’s games this past weekend.
Cauley has yet to compile a list of ranked schools, but he does have a top five of schools he’s interested in:
“I actually need to sit down and make my list, but right now [B]my top five is Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma State, Kentucky, and Kansas State[/B] (in no order).”
The Crimson Tide seem to be leading in the race right now, and one thing that really helps is Trevor Releford, Alabama’s sophomore point guard that hails from Kansas City, Kansas.
“Alabama is recruiting me the hardest. I have a pretty good relationship with Trevor Releford and he tells me about the team all the time,” he explained. “I also like the location of Alabama and the weather. Having family in the state doesn’t hurt, either.”
Weather isn’t necessarily one of the biggest factors for a recruit when looking for a destination, but a handful of recruits take it into consideration. Who would want to live in such cold weather?
“Weather is a big factor for me. I really don’t like the cold,” he said with laughs.
Other things that Cauley is searching for in a school is a loyal fan base and a developed relationship with the coaching staff.
Many of those factors fit UK very well. It’s not too cold, the fan base is great, and John Calipari’s staff is one of the best in the country. Thus, Cauley has a lot of interest in Kentucky.
“I am really impressed by the atmosphere that Kentucky has. And then you have the great tradition and history that the program presents. It would just be something nice to be a part of.”
While he does know the basic stuff about Calipari and his program, Cauley is still a little in the dark about specific things.
“I know all the big stuff about Coach Cal and him getting people to where they want. He’s successful every year and does a great job, but I don’t know much about him besides that.”
Because of that, the monster post player is planning to visit Lexington after August, along with some other schools.
“[B]I’m definitely planning on visiting Alabama and Florida, and I want to go see Kentucky, too[/B].”
Until then, Cauley plans to finish up the rest of July with some distant trips to St. Louis and Arizona. Then he will focus on his school ball and looking at visits.
As for a commitment, Cauley doesn’t have an exact timetable, but he did say, “I think I could commit during the middle of the season or right after. I’m not really sure.”
Willie Cauley has yet to receive an offer from Kentucky, but the Cats seem to be sitting in a good position early.
Keep an eye out for this giant as July comes to a close. He could be a very valuable post prospect for one lucky school.
