Kentucky's Nerlens Noel Reportedly Cleared Academically by NCAA

Kentucky's chances to repeat as college basketball's national champion next season come down to one player. Nerlens Noel, considered the nation's No. 1 recruit by ESPN.com, must be healthy and productive.

More importantly, though, he must be academically eligible to take the court. That doesn't appear to be an issue, according to CBS Sports reporter Jeff Goodman:

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Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel (@nerlensnoel3) tells CBSSports he has been cleared by the NCAA -- cbssports.com/collegebasketb…

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanCBS) August 8, 2012"

If you listen closely, you can hear the collective cheers coming from Lexington. Noel's eligibility concerns stem from his choice to realign himself with the Class of 2012. CBS Sports' full report sheds more detail on the specifics:

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There was some concern that Noel might not make it academically after deciding to return to his original graduating class of 2012. He took two classes at Everett High in July and received an A in English and a B-plus in history.

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According to Noel's statement later in the report, he needed two B's to quell concerns.

Now that we know Noel is going to take the court for John Calipari this fall, let's get down to brass tacks. He's arguably the most anticipated freshman in the country for the 2012-13 season, and he will face a tremendous amount of pressure from day one.

Not only is Noel joining one of college basketball's most decorated programs, but he is replacing one of the most decorated freshman of all time in Anthony Davis. They play the same position, and they even play the same style.

He won't escape the career comparisons and inevitable parallels to Davis for one second.

CBS Sports' report states that "Noel will leave for Lexington on Aug. 19 and admitted he isn't anywhere close to game shape due to his focus on academics." That's understandable and actually encouraging, given the situation he was facing, but it won't take him long to regain his elite athleticism.

The ultra-hyped center enters the Wildcat program with a defense-first reputation. He's a game-changing shot-blocker, and Kentucky's squad needs him on board for the length of the season.

Calipari's squad is the current "king" of college hoops, and Noel's presence is vital to defending Kentucky's crown.

Wednesday's news comes as quite a relief to Wildcat faithful, Calipari and Noel himself.