Same ol’, same ol’ on the recruiting trail for John Calipari, even with a national title in tow. You know the drill: land the player everyone in the game would give their left... eye for, then mess around and drop in a few other blue-chip dudes to carry his water. Ho-hum, yawn, back to bed.
Once Nerlens Noel gave his verbal notice of intent to join the Wildcats next season, much of the pressure was off for Coach Cal. He can probably find another 17-year-old hoop genius, give him a come-hither look, and finish off that No. 1 recruiting class ranking the easy way. Or, he could do something a little different, and add some age and experience through the transfer ranks. John Clay of the Lexington Herald Leader has a few thoughts on which players might be in the running for that final, coveted slot on the defending national championship squad:
Amile Jefferson: For a while, there was a report each week the 6-foot-7 forward from Philadelphia was ready to announce his decision. It still hasn’t come.
You’ll notice that there’s little rhyme or reason to this list in terms of size, position, etc. With N.C. State transfer Ryan Harrow eligible to run the point this season, Cal has a talented and self-assured floor general ready to guide the team. Calipari can probably grab any one of these players he wishes and find a way to make him fit into the offense, with that one major piece in place.
Jefferson is the player keeping everyone in suspense, and Calipari can afford to wait until that domino falls before he has to do anything else. Jefferson has said that he will announce his decision on Tuesday.