Nerlens Noel to Kentucky: Wildcats Ready to Repeat After Landing Stud Big Man

John Calipari has worked his magic yet again.

Not long after the Kentucky Wildcats found out they would not be getting top-ranked swingman Shabazz Muhammad, they found out that they would be getting top-ranked big man Nerlens Noel.

Noel announced that he will be attending Kentucky during a live special on ESPNU (see ESPN.com report). He let his hair do the talking, as he turned around and showed the cameras a UK symbol shaved into the back of his head.

Nice.

Now that the Wildcats have Noel, they have the best recruiting class in the country. At least as far as ESPN is concerned:

"

With Nerlens Noel committing to Kentucky, the Wildcats will have the top class in the ESPNU 100 for the 4th straight year.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 12, 2012"

In the last three years, the Wildcats have made it to the Elite Eight, the Final Four and, this year, won the NCAA National Championship. Clearly, having a top recruiting class is a good omen.

It's also especially important this year with the Wildcats poised to lose Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and others to the NBA draft. That Davis is (probably) leaving definitely appeals to Noel, as Davis's (probable) exit means a chance for Noel to start right away.

All Noel will have to do in Davis's spot in the lineup is the exact same thing Davis did in 2011-2012. Davis grabbed the spotlight by blocking shots, playing outstanding defense and pitching in a few points and rebounds every game. Noel is not as polished as Davis offensively, but he will at least be able to block shots, play defense and grab a few rebounds.

Noel's teammates will take care of the rest. Calipari has rounded up some very talented recruits, including star shooting guard Archie Goodwin and star small forward Alex Poythress. As long as Noel holds down the middle and denies a few baskets every game, Kentucky will operate like a well-oiled machine.

It will be hard to top Kentucky's 2011-2012 season, but Calipari has the pieces in place to at least match it. The Wildcats were a championship team this past season, and they're going to be a championship-caliber team again in 2012-2013.

Enjoy it while it lasts, Kentucky fans. Noel and the others won't stay in Lexington for long.