by Paul Jordan
When the Cats and Gators tangle on Sunday, the battle can extend much further than UK’s basketball supremacy this year in the SEC. The balance of power for the next couple of years in the SEC could be at stake as this game will be closely watched by two of the top basketball recruits in the 2010 class: Brandon Knight and C.J Leslie.
According to the rumor mills, Kentucky and Florida figure highly on both recruit’s lists. The big story at the Florida High School championships this week has been that Knight will decide in the next couple of weeks between Kentucky and Florida. When pressed on that rumor, Knight won’t confirm or deny that assessment, but just would say the end is near. Meanwhile, up in North Carolina, C.J Leslie has been denying the ESPN rumor that he is down to a final three of Kentucky, Florida and NC State as his college choice. Bob Gibbons of All Star Sports does not buy C.J’s denials and predicts that Leslie will choose from between Kentucky and N.C State.
ESPN has been running a series about which schools will be the best fit for each players so I will compare what ESPN is saying how Knight and Leslie would fit at UK and Florida in honor of Sunday’s game.
BRANDON KNIGHT AND FLORIDA
HOW HE FITS: With Kenny Boynton returning, Knight could team up again with his former AAU (Team Breakdown) teammate. Together they shared great success on the AAU circuit. Add Casey Prather to the mix and you’re looking at an incredible perimeter.
X FACTOR: If Knight chooses to attend Florida, it would allow his family and friends to attend games. Donovan could also sell the fact that Florida has recently won back-to-back national titles and is building a roster to get back to the Final Four.
BRANDON KNIGHT AND KENTUCKY
HOW HE FITS: Knight’s game is perfect to lead the Wildcats’ fast-break and full-court man-to-man defense, which is a staple of John Calipari’s teams. Knight’s strength is his ability to get where he wants on the floor with his dribble penetration or pull-up for the close mid-range jumper.
X FACTOR: Under Calipari, Kentucky is achieving greatness quickly and will likely continue to do so under his tutelage. Knight will be handed the ball from day one and will be able to make an impact for the nation’s all-time winningest program
C.J LESLIE AND FLORIDA
HOW HE FITS: Leslie’s freakish athleticism is attractive to every up-tempo team and would fit in nicely with Florida. His ability to block shots and rebound would translate immediately. The Gators, who had a top-rated class in the early signing period, are trying to close out a class that could be No. 1 overall.
X FACTOR: It is tough to bet against Donovan when he focuses on a recruiting target. Three seasons removed from back-to-back championships, Donovan is systematically putting together a team that has the potential to make another run at a national title
C.J LESLIE AND KENTUCKY
HOW HE FITS: Leslie is an elite athlete with developing perimeter skills. He is one of the best finishers in the 2010 class and would be a difficult inside-out matchup in Kentucky’s system. He would play a similar role to Patrick Patterson and would have the opportunity to improve his perimeter game.
X FACTOR: Calipari has an uncanny ability to close the deal on high-profile players like Leslie. Although former high school teammate John Wall will most likely be departing for the NBA, he will be able to provide Leslie with key insight to what it is like playing for Calipari.
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