Kentucky Wildcat Basketball Recruiting: The jostling goes on for final spot in 2011 roster

In between the meetings, the practices, and the games, John Calipari is trying to finish up his 2011 recruiting class, as well as get the ball rolling for 2012.  At this point, no one really knows if another player will join the 2011 class, but the speculation is that another player will be added.  In this update, we will look at a couple of old names we have been tracking for a while, as well as a new name that has emerged for 2011.

TREVOR LACEY –  Lacey finished Auburn on Saturday and witnessed the Tigers upset of Mississippi State.  Word is that Lacey is going to make a visit to Kentucky this weekend and take on the UK/South Carolina game.  Would be a good visit as UK generally plays well against the Gamecocks at Rupp and Trevor has a chance to see a good win.  There is no confirmation on the visit, but Lacey has been busy trying to fit these visits in. 

Since we are on the subject of Trevor Lacey, I guess you know you have arrived as a basketball recruit when a

stalker

fan makes a rap song about you.  Seems a fifth grade teacher in Alabama that also hailed from Butler High School, Jesse Schmidt, created the song as a gift from one Butler alum to another.  Yea, it gets creepier when a middle aged white guy is writing rap songs about a high school kid.  Apparently you can buy the song on I-tunes.  Hey, it’s not a Kentucky fan doing it, so I will let the Alabama version of Jerry Tipton worry about whether its a NCAA violation or not …. if the guy makes any money off it.

DeANDRE DANIELS – Yea, we are still talking about him.  Despite much hype, hoopla, and speculation, Daniels still has not decided on a school and is back at the IMG Academy.  Common knowledge has Daniels looking at Kansas, Kentucky, and Texas, but Adam Zagoria stated a while back that Kentucky pulled it’s offer for Daniels.  I have not heard any confirmation if that is the case, but it so, it looks like he may still be headed to Kansas eventually. 

BRAEDEN ANDERSON –  Anderson is a new name in the mix and is a 6’8 Canadian PF that was formerly committed to DePaul.  Most scouting services have him listed as a three star recruit, but Anderson takes offense to some of those scouting reports.  It seems all the usual names are jumping on the trail of Anderson, who is the top PF and the 6th best prospect in Canada.  Apparently there is no offer from Kentucky yet, but Anderson indicated he will be talking to UK soon.  Here is what ESPN has to say about Anderson:

 Strengths:

This strong, well-built power forward is an intriguing guy who could really make a jump over the high school season. He was able to establish himself as an inside/outside guy who can step out to make the 15-18′ jump shot. He has good hands that allow him to catch and finish balls around the rim. Braeden has all the tools to be an animal on the glass, but does not pursue the ball like he is capable. His upside is undeniable.

Weaknesses:

He needs to learn how to better utilize his physical gifts as he tends to stand up defensively and fancies himself as more of a pick-and-pop player when he could be a potentially-devastating pick-and-roll option. However, for him to move up the ladder he must continue to improve his skill level. He lacks any back to the basket moves he can go to, and surprisingly, did not rebound the ball well.

Bottom Line:

He has the size and athleticism that leads to a high major power forward, but he has some work still to do. Playing in the states can only help the Canadian import improve; keep your eye on this guy to see if his improvement leads to higher level recruitment.

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