Nerlens Noel: Power Ranking Top-Rated Recruit's Potential Destinations

Nerlens Noel has yet to tip his hand as to which of his three finalists—Kentucky, Syracuse or Georgetown—he'll ultimately choose. The top high school recruit in the nation will announce his decision during a National Signing Day special on ESPNU on Wednesday, irrevocably changing the fate of one college basketball program for the better.

For one year, anyway.

All of Noel's possible choices would be more than happy to bring him aboard, but which one would be the best fit for the young big man, in terms of both NCAA Tournament potential and NBA draft preparation?

3. Syracuse

The Orange were one talented pivot away from reaching the Final Four last month, but fell short against Ohio State in the Elite Eight without the services of the academically-ineligible Fab Melo.

A long-armed shot blocker like Noel would be a perfect replacement (if not an all-out upgrade) in the middle of Syracuse's vaunted 2-3 zone. He'd also stand to benefit from the expert coaching of Jim Boeheim, who's tutored more than his fair share of fantastic forwards, including Derrick Coleman, Rony Seikaly, Hakim Warrick and (of course) Carmelo Anthony.

The biggest drawback for Noel? Competition; he'd have to fight for minutes alongside the likes of Rakeem Christmas, Baye Keita, Jerami Grant and fellow freshman DaJuan Coleman.

Not that competition is necessarily a bad thing for Noel, per se, but rather his path to the top of the NBA draft might not be as clear-cut as it'd be elsewhere.  

2. Georgetown

The same could be said for Noel if he were to play at Georgetown. He'd likely need some time to learn how to operate in the middle of John Thompson III's Princeton offense, wherein post players are expected to make decisions and space the floor.

Then again, if Noel succeeds in that role for the Hoyas—which he should, given his penchant for passing from the high post—he may well be on the fast track to NBA success, following in the footsteps of stars like Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Alonzo Mourning and Greg Monroe.

The graduation of Henry Sims would leave a tidy space in the paint for Noel to occupy on a team that overachieved this past season and will almost certainly be in the mix to win the Big East (and more) with Noel in the middle.

1. Kentucky

National championship? Check. Preparing prep phenoms for the draft lottery? Check. Teaching elite talent to play hard and together? Check.

Am I missing anything? I doubt Noel is. As tantalizing an example as Monroe's at Georgetown might be, Nerlens surely knows what's become of DeMarcus Cousins and Enes Kanter (who never even suited up for Kentucky) in the NBA, and the riches that are in store for Anthony Davis in the coming months. 

John Calipari turned each of those three into top-five picks after one year in Lexington and should do the same for Noel, who's got the talent to fill Davis' massive shoes with the Wildcats from Day 1.

The opportunity to lead Big Blue to a third consecutive Final Four, and perhaps a second straight NCAA Tournament title, would be another cherry on top, albeit of the variety that comes around but once in a lifetime.

And, really, who could turn down the chance to play in front of Ashley Judd?

Follow @J0shMart1n