Kentucky Basketball: 10 Bold Predictions for John Calipari's Crew in 2011-12

Kentucky Basketball is always a hot topic even in the offseason.

Whether it is being discussed if Terrance Jones will stay or go, or who will be the hot-hand next season, you can bet your last dollar that John Calipari will have a talent loaded team.

After a run to the Final Four where they were defeated by UConn, they expect to do the same next season and hang a championship banner.

Here are 10 bold predictions for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2011-2012.

James Evens serves as a National Featured Columnist for college football and basketball, as well as the FC for the Purdue Boilermakers. Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook                     

The Most Talented Team in the Nation

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the hoop against Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April

They will be the most talented team in the nation. They may not be the best team, but they will have the most talent.  

With Coach Cal's style of recruiting, it is tough to look past all of talent they have coming in and out of Kentucky on a yearly basis.

If Jones and Knight decide to stay, they will by far be the most talented team in the nation.

Will Have the Best Freshmen in the Nation

Although Steve Lavin has the best recruiting class ratings wise, Kentucky isn't lacking much here and will have the best freshmen in the nation next season.

They have four McDonald's All-Americans and will be very tough to start.  

This class definitely could be compared to the class that Calipari had with Wall, Cousins and company that went to the NBA.

Title Contender

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts from the sidelines against the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2

With all of the talent that Kentucky will have next season coming in it will be easy to place them in contention for the title.

They definitely have a shot to win it with the youth along with the coaching of Cal.

This should be a great team to watch this season.

Dominate the SEC

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the hoop agianst Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April

With Tennessee no longer a factor in the SEC race, this one will be a one horse event.

Kentucky is just so much better than every other team on paper and has experience on the big stage. Even though they will be playing a lot of freshmen, the run they made this season will be second to none.

Look for Kentucky to not only win the SEC but to dominate it.

Brandon Knight Will Return

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Brandon Knight #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats moves the ball while taking on the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2, 2011 in

Even though Knight is pondering the NBA draft, he got a taste of the title, but didn't get to eat it.  This had to be tough and he will be wanting to have that chance again but to take it.

Knight who was a freshman last season averaged a little over 17 points per game and was a huge factor in the success of the Wildcats this season.

Although the NBA will be tempting look for him to stay.

Doron Lamb Will Become a Huge Star

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Doron Lamb #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats goes to the hoop against Kemba Walker #15 of the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April

Lamb has all of the makings to be a superstar, and expect nothing less from this kid.  The guard from Queens is one tough cookie and wants his piece of the pie in the NBA.

He should get the ball more this season as he has proven himself to be a clutch player.

Look for Lamb to emerge as a big star for Kentucky.

They Will Be Able to Play Big

With two of the nation's best power forwards coming to play at Kentucky, this team should have no problem playing a bigger line-up this season.

One of the huge problems for the Cats this season was the lack of a great big man.  

Look for Anthony Davis and Kyle Witjer to play a huge role this season for the 'Cats and make a huge impact.

They Get Back to the Final Four

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 04: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies with the ball against the Butler Bulldogs in the National Championship Game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at Reliant Stadium on April 4, 2011 in Houston, Texa

The Final Four was something that Kentucky fans had been craving for a while now. Note the burning of couches in Lexington when they clinched a spot in the final weekend.

Kentucky will make it back with this new cast of characters.  This team is way to talented not to.

Having players on the team that have made a run to the finals before is a key aspect to being able to do it again. 

Kentucky has made it over the hump, and there is only one more to climb. 

Terrence Jones Returns

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after hitting a three pointer against the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on Apr

With the looming NBA lockout, Jones should return for a second season in the Blue and White.  

Jones will use this year to develop into more of an NBA-type player if he is not one already.  

If he does decide to return it would be a huge win for the Kentucky program as a whole.  Although no one would blame him if he went, it's hard to see him leaving Kentucky with unfinished business. 

National Champions

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 27: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats catches the ball against Justin Watts #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of the east regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Prudential Center

Yeah, I said it.  

This team has all of the makings to make a championship run. The only question is if Coach Calipari can get the job done in the title game and in the Final Four.

College basketball is so unpredictable, but if one had to pick a champion today, Kentucky would be a very solid pick, especially after the run they made during this year's NCAA tournament.