A player that flirts with being seven feet tall, yet still can take a defender off the dribble and compete athletically is very rare in the game of basketball. While Nerlens Noel is no Kevin Durant, the young center still is very gifted for his size and age.
Noel (Class of 2013, The Tilton School, New Hampshire) is one of the most coveted players in his class, let alone the whole nation right now.
At 6’10” and still time to grow, Noel is by far the best shot blocker the Class of 2013 has to offer, and all teams from around the country are working to garner his services. In fact, all of the Big East, SEC, and ACC is after him.
While Noel is notorious for his astounding defensive efforts, he feels that his offensive game is starting to take form and is quickly improving.
“Besides my defense, I think my passing is starting to become one of my strengths,” he began. “It is really coming along right now. In fact, I think my whole offense is coming along and improving.”
With John Calipari extending an offer to the young man, you have to expect Noel to be a decent ball-handler to contribute to Cal’s dribble-drive offense.
He’s not going to make any highlight videos, but for his size, Noel does an exceptional job with post moves and putting the ball on the floor when needed. However, he doesn’t necessarily focus on how he fits in offensively.
When asked about how he thinks he fits in to Kentucky’s system, Nerlens had this to say:
“Most coaches emphasize a lot of offense when they sell their program, and with Coach Calipari, it’s no different. He’s known for his dribble-drive and everything, and I respect that. But I think I fit in defensively, too. Defense can be your own thing. Coaches aren’t going to tell you to stop blocking shots, whereas on offense you can be limited. There’s nothing stopping you on defense,” he said passionately.
It is obvious Noel is all about defense, and rightfully so with his ability to block and alter opposing players’ shots.
The talent he possesses has every coach in America chasing him. While he doesn’t have a list, Noel plans to cut things down soon.
“I don’t have a list yet, but I plan to start making one soon,” he explained. “I’m looking at about 10-15 teams right now, but there is no definite number. I want to cut it down after the summer.”
“Kentucky will definitely make the first cut. They’re going to be around for awhile.”
Most fans are aware that it is very surprising for a high school sophomore to get an offer from Coach Calipari. Apparently Cal likes him, and the interest is likewise for Noel. He is “very interested.”
“Kentucky is always on TV, and they have a great coach in Coach Calipari. He is known for developing professionals, and that is appealing for anyone to get to the next level.”
“As far as the school, I know it is great. [B]In fact, when it comes down to my final decision, UK will be in the mix of my final few teams.”
[/B]One would think the Kentucky offer he received in the spring would mean a lot to him, especially with Cal’s stinginess with young players and his main focus on guards for his offense.
While he is blessed with the opportunity, Noel is just glad to have every offer, whether it be Kentucky or a middle-of-the-road team.
“I’m real appreciative of the offer. Everyone talks about Kentucky, and they produce all these McDonald’s All-Americans. That means a lot to me,” he said humbly. “But in the end, every offer is a blessing and I am very appreciative of them all.”
Calipari has also made Noel a top priority, because when a UK coach comes to watch him in action, Cal is always there.
“The first time UK came, Coach Calipari came alone. The second time, he brought an assistant with him.”
“It always means a lot to have coaches coming to watch me, but when a head coach comes all the time, that means a lot more to me,” Noel confessed.
Noel has no visits planned yet, but he hopes to take a couple sometime this summer with his coach. He couldn’t give a definite answer as to if Kentucky would be a destination, but if I had to guess, I think Lexington would be right up there on his hopeful places to visit.
Noel is going to be a great player, and by 2014, he will be a sheer force and impossible to contain.
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky recruiting.
