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Calipari looking to fill one more 2012 scholly

President Obama Hosts The University Of Kentucky Men's Basketball Team

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 04: Wildcat Coach John Calipari watches as U.S. President Barack Obama plays with a ball given to him by the University of Kentucky basketball team during an event in the East Room at the White House, on May 4, 2012 in Washington, DC. President Obama was honoring the Kentucky Wildcats for winning its eighth NCAA national championship. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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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:

Julius Mays: A 6-foot-2 guard from Marion, Ind., Mays is transferring after averaging 14 points last year at Wright State. He played two years previously at North Carolina State. He is graduating, so is eligible to play immediately.

Montrezl Harrell: The 6-foot-7 forward from Hargrave Military Academy was a top-100 recruit when he signed with Virginia Tech and Harrell has asked for his release.

Tony Trocha: The 6-10 forward from Colombia, who played at a Houston prep school, is reportedly attempting to reclassify and join the Class of 2012.

Torian Graham: The 6-4 guard from Raleigh, N.C., bounced around at four different high schools before landing at Christian Faith. He may attend prep school, pushing him back to a Class of 2013 recruit.
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.