Kentucky Basketball: Wildcats Officially Receive Nerlens Noel's Letter of Intent

It's time to lift your glasses and celebrate in Lexington, because Nerlens Noel is officially coming to the Kentucky Wildcats. 

The Associated Press reports Nerlens Noel has signed his letter of intent, bringing a new era to a team hopeful to repeat the magic of last season. 

"

Kentucky has announced the Wildcats have received Nerlens Noel's letter of intent, adding the highly touted 6-10 center as the centerpiece of an expected fourth straight No. 1 recruiting class under coach John Calipari.

"

Noel comes in with huge expectations and equally large shoes to fill. The obvious comparison that will be made for him is to former Kentucky big man Anthony Davis, who is leaving to the NBA. 

The star is leaving a legacy that Noel will be expected to challenge, fair or not. The Wildcats are coming off a phenomenal season wherein they lost only one game and took home the national title. 

As the AP reports, Noel comes in with high school averages of 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game as a senior for Tilton. 

He has an amazing post game and an ability to block shots with great form. He already has great control of his frame and runs the floor very well for his size. 

He is an immensely talented payer, and a big piece of the future of Kentucky next season. That future, by the way, is as bright as last season's. 

Head coach John Calipari may be losing a tremendous amount of talent, but he is filling the coffers like we knew he would. 

As the Chicago Sun-Times reports, the starting lineup will have a whole new look as Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, and sophomores Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb go pro. 

Incoming are star prep prospects Archie Goodwin, Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley, via AP, making this class arguably the best in the nation. 

Follow @gabezal