John Wall and Kentucky

John Calipari, already the highest paid coach in NCAA basketball, continues to add to his riches by landing a gem of a player in John Wall. What makes this so intriguing is the fact that Wall could have chosen to enter his name in the NBA draft due to a technicality.

Originally, the 19-year old Word of God Christian Academy standout was slated to graduate in 2008. But for whatever reason, (I’m not going speculate) he did not meet the necessary requirements and instead will graduate this year. According to NBA draft eligibility rules,

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“The player (A) is or will be at least 19 years of age during the calendar year in which the Draft is held, and (B) with respect to a player who is not an international player (defined below), at least one (1) NBA Season has elapsed since the player’s graduation from high school (or, if the player did not graduate from high school, since the graduation of the class with which the player would have graduated had he graduated from high school)”

 

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So in essence , Wall made a choice that many players wouldn’t by turning down the money and fame of the NBA and choosing to go to college despite having the option to go pro.

Now until a couple days ago, Kentucky wasn’t necessarily a lock to have Wall’s services next year especially considering there are 343 Division I basketball programs in the nation.

Wall’s high school ball was played in Durham, NC. It's only natural that he considered playing for Coach Krzyzewski and Duke, along with a host of other schools vying for his efforts.

So why Calipari and Kentucky?

Well, Wall is widely considered to be No. 1 point guard prospect in this year’s high school recruiting class. And as of late, as far as point guards go, Calipari has done arguably the best job in country in developing players at that position. Wall will be the third highly touted point guard to commit to play for Calipari in as many years.

Last year it was Tyreke Evans, who also signed late in the recruiting period and is sure to be a lottery pick in this year’s draft. Two years ago, it was Derrick Rose who went No. 1 overall in NBA draft and recently was name 2009 NBA rookie of the year.

Furthermore, let's not forget who else Coach Cal is bringing with him to the Blue Grass state. Cal was able to persuade DeMarcus Cousins, a holdover from his Memphis recruiting efforts who is also a top-five high school talent, along with Wall to join him in the Derby state.

And with horses like Wall and Cousins, I’ll be looking for the Wildcats to set the pace in NCAA basketball because they by far have the best crop of talent coming into next season.

I applaud the way that Calipari was seamlessly able to put together another stellar recruiting class after abruptly exchanging Memphis’s blue for Kentucky’s.