The initial 2011 team rankings are out and Rivals.com has the Kentucky Wildcats as the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in the nation thus far and for good reason. According to Rivals.com, Kentucky boasts a class of four 5-star prospects including three players in the Top-10.
At this point, it is highly unlikely that any other school will be able to beat out the ‘Cats for the top spot due in large part to head coach John Calipari’s recruiting prowess. If the final rankings come out and Kentucky is still at the top, it will make Calipari’s third straight No. 1 recruiting class.
The Wildcats class is headed by the No. 2 player in the nation Marquis Teague, a speedy point guard out of Pike High School in Indiana. Teague will likely continue the line of dominate point guards that have come Calipari’s way. It started with Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans at Memphis and continued with John Wall and Brandon Knight at Kentucky. Like those before him, Teague does an excellent job of attacking his defenders and getting to the basket.
Michael Gilchrist, an athletic wing-forward out of New Jersey, comes in as the No. 3 player in the nation and will give Kentucky a type of player they haven’t seen in sometime. He’s still developing a good shooting stroke, but his athleticism is what shines through the most. Gilchrist is extremely strong around the basket and has an array of post-moves to free him from defenders, while still possessing tremendous upside.
The No. 6 player in 2011 class is Anthony Davis (pictured), is one of the surprise recruits of the ’11 class. Davis’ tale is fascinating because he was just a blip on the radar before the summer AAU sessions began. With the summer coming to a close, Davis now finds himself among the elite prospects in the nation. At 6’11” Davis will give Kentucky an athletic post player who can step out and knock down the 18-22 foot jump shot. He’s also shown a knack for interior passing and getting open in transition, a trait Calipari loves in his big men.
Kyle Wiltjer, the No. 25 ranked recruit of the 2011 class, hails from Oregon and was the biggest surprise of the 2011 Kentucky Wildcats class. Wiltjer didn’t even make a visit to Lexington before announcing his commitment to the ‘Cats, but cited that playing with great talent was his main caveat in deciding to commit to Kentucky. Wiltjer is a step slower than the rest and some wonder how he will fit into Calipari’s dribble-drive offense. Don’t you worry though, because Wiltjer is one of the more fundamentally sound players in the 2011 class. He’ll also give Kentucky a piece to work with in the shooting game.
The Kentucky Wildcats may lead the 2011 recruiting scene with the No. 1 ranked class, but there are several other teams trying to push the ‘Cats from the top spot.
North Carolina has a solid start with the second ranked class, heralded by a duo of forwards led by James McAdoo (No. 8) and P.J. Hairston (No. 14). Roy Williams is bound to get several more players to round out his class.
Syracuse comes in with the third ranked class, led by center Rakeem Christmas (No. 12) who could team up with 2010 recruit Fab Melo should he decide to stay. Michael Carter-Williams (No. 16) could likely come in and take over the point guard duties for head coach Jim Boehiem.
In-state rival Louisville is the fourth ranked class led by Chane Behanan (No. 23) and Wayne Blackshear (No. 32), both athletic forwards and scoring machines. Head coach Rick Pitino could add on to the class with commitments from Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello, who are expected to announce a commitment in the near future.
Rounding out the Top-5 is Texas, who continues to bring in solid point guards, this time in the form of Myck Kabongo (No. 24).
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