University Of Kentucky Basketball Coach, John Calipari, Is Getting Ready To Reload For Next Year's National Championship. Beware: Foes!

Calipari getting ready to reload with recruits
By Ben Roberts

2012 signees

Willie Cauley-Stein

6-10, 215, forward/center

Olathe, Kan.

Rivals: 39

Scout: 30

ESPN: 40

MaxPreps: 34

Notes: Not projected to be an immediate starter, but could see extended minutes off the bench as a freshman. He's not a typical post player and is comfortable playing away from the basket.

Archie Goodwin

6-5, 180, guard

Little Rock, Ark.

Rivals: 12

Scout: 17

ESPN: 15

MaxPreps: 7

Notes: A lightning-fast guard who picked Kentucky over home-state Arkansas. He'll be expected to come in right away and be one of UK's biggest scoring threats next season.

Alex Poythress

6-7, 215, forward

Clarksville, Tenn.

Rivals: 19

Scout: 15

ESPN: 13

MaxPreps: 12

Notes: A versatile forward who could start from day one in Lexington. Rivals.com senior analyst Jerry Meyer once described him as a "more explosive" Terrence Jones.

2012-13 Transfer

Ryan Harrow

6-1, 160, point guard

Marietta, Ga.

2010 rankings

Rivals: 19

Scout: 25

ESPN: 39

MaxPreps: 23

Notes: Essentially a third-year player after one season at N.C. State and one season of practice under Calipari. He could be one of the country's top point guards as a sophomore.

2012 recruiting targets

Anthony Bennett

6-8, 230, power forward

Brampton, Canada

Rivals: 7

Scout: 7

ESPN: 7

MaxPreps: 11

Notes: A big-bodied post player who can also handle the ball and shoot from outside. His recruitment has been one of the biggest mysteries in the class of 2012.

Amile Jefferson

6-7, 185, small forward

Philadelphia

Rivals: 36

Scout: 22

ESPN: 25

MaxPreps: 16

Another versatile forward who would fit nicely in Calipari's dribble-drive offense. He's a hard worker on the court, and an excellent rebounder and shot blocker.

Shabazz Muhammad

6-6, 215, guard/forward

Las Vegas

Rivals: 1

Scout: 2

ESPN: 2

MaxPreps: 2

Notes: UK's biggest recruiting target for most of the last year. He's the best scorer in his class and brings an intensity similar to that of UK freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Nerlens Noel

6-10, 215, center

Everett, Mass.

Rivals: NR

Scout: 1

ESPN: 1

MaxPreps: 1

The consensus pick as the No. 1 player in the class of 2012. Noel would step right into Anthony Davis' role as the Cats' defensive stopper in the paint.

Alex Oriakhi

6-9, 240, forward/center

Lowell, Mass.

Averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds for UConn last season

Notes: Played a key role during UConn's run to the national title last year. He would give the Cats a veteran presence and more size in the post, both of which will be needed.

2013 commitment

Derek Willis

6-9, 195, power forward

Mt. Washington, Ky.

Rivals: 23

Scout: 30

ESPN: 35

MaxPreps: 30

Notes: UK's lone commitment for the class of 2013. He could become the first future Wildcat from Kentucky to play in the McDonald's All-American Game since Rajon Rondo.

2013 recruiting targets

Aaron Harrison

Shooting guard

6-5, 205

Houston

Rivals: 7

Scout: 6

ESPN: 6

MaxPreps: 5

Notes: One half of perhaps the best backcourt in high school basketball. The twins are considering UK, Maryland, Villanova and Baylor, and the Cats are perceived to be the favorites.

Andrew Harrison

6-5, 210, point guard

Houston

Rivals: 1

Scout: 4

ESPN: 5

MaxPreps: 3

Notes: The higher ranked of the two brothers and the No. 1 point guard in the class of 2013. The Harrisons could start as freshmen for whatever school they choose.

Jabari Parker

6-8, 220, Small forward

Chicago

Rivals: 2

Scout: 1

ESPN: 1

MaxPreps: 1

Notes: Some consider him the best player in all of high school basketball, regardless of class. He could be the latest elite talent out of Chicago to team up with Calipari.

Julius Randle

6-8, 235, forward

Plano, Texas

Rivals: 4

Scout: 3

ESPN: 3

MaxPreps: 4

Notes: Another major target in the class of 2013. A point forward with tremendous size, he's being recruited by just about every major program in the country.

Troy Williams

6-6, 190, Small forward

Hampton, Va.

Rivals: 14

Scout: 8

ESPN: 7

MaxPreps: 17

Notes: The nephew of AAU legend Boo Williams, who has a relationship with Calipari. He is expected to choose either UK or North Carolina in the next few weeks.


Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/08/2144284/calipari-getting-ready-to-reload.html#storylink=cpy