Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Nerlens Noel Picks the Wildcats

John Calipari and the University of Kentucky got some great news about its other top recruiting target (Shabazz Muhammad committed to UCLA earlier this evening) in one of the most surreal ways possible.

Nerlens Noel shaved his college decision into his famous flat-top hair style. As he turned around in his chair during the ESPNU Signing Day Special, the University of Kentucky logo sealed the deal and gave the Wildcats the top recruit in the 2012 class.

Big Blue Nation has been hoping that Noel would be the answer to replacing Anthony Davis in the middle next season. Combined with the excellent shot-blocking of Willie Cauley, the Wildcats look to be a great defensive team once again next year.

There was even more good news rolling in this evening, as reports are beginning to surface that Anthony Bennett, the No. 7-ranked recruit for 2012, is close to committing to the Wildcats.

Wildcats faithful would also do well to remember that a recruiting class consisting of Alex Poythress, Archie Goodwin and Cauley, along with the likely addition of Bennett, was already a strong class by itself. The addition of Noel now takes Kentucky to a whole other level.

Consider that outstanding transfer Ryan Harrow will be eligible, as well as the possibility that Kentucky may land UConn transfer Alex Oriakhi, and the Wildcats could very well be the favorite to once again claim the national title.