Kentucky Wildcat Basketball 2011 Recruiting: Who will be next?

A little earlier today, we took a look at the “new name for 2011”, former Volunteer commit Kevin Ware.  While it seems he is a bit wary about the number of guards on Kentucky’s roster, even if Brandon Knight leaves, there are still a few other options available to fill out the 2011 Kentucky recruiting class.  Let’s take a look at a few of the names that could find themselves Wildcats come signing day.  I am going to put on my magic predicting hat and see what players I think will be a Wildcat.

BRAEDEN ANDERSON  – 85%

As of right now, I really like Braeden Anderson’s chances of becoming a Wildcat.  He visited Kentucky for the Florida game and word is that he has developed a nice relationship with Kenny Payne.  Word is that Anderson is actually taking an official visit to Lexington after the Derby Classic Festival. As recently as a month ago, Anderson took a visit to Kansas and by some reports, was on the verge of committing to the Jayhawks then.  Anderson also picked up offers from Memphis and Missouri yesterday.

Also, there were quite a few rumors out that Braeden had actually committed to Kentucky on Sunday and it was reported by a Lexington television station.  Anderson cooled that rumor, but the fact that he is coming to Lexington for a repeat visit, which can only bode well for the Wildcats.  As a matter of fact, Anderson was supposed to make his announcement at the Derby Festival Classic, but pushed it back so he could visit UK first.

STAN SIMPSON –  30%

If Braeden Anderson goes somewhere other than Kentucky, I would raise this to about 75% and if Anderson goes to Kansas, I would say it is about 90% that Simpson is a Wildcat.  Simpson and Anderson have both seen their stock rise dramatically and as a result, all the big names are calling.  Simpson is just starting to take his visits and he will be in Memphis on Friday, and will also be visiting Kansas.

I would assume that he will also take a visit to Kentucky soon since he seems very interested in Kentucky and tweets about them a good bit.  He has stated via twitter that he wants to win a national title next year and Kansas, Kentucky, and Memphis are projected to be competitors.  Bill Self seems to be really turning up the heat right now and you have to wonder if that is because Anderson still has not committed to the Jayhawks.

GOD’S GIFT ACHIWUA –  25%

To be honest, I really don’t know how interested John Calipari is in God’s Gift or how hotly they are pursuing him.  But from all appearances, the Wildcat’s are in the hunt and may be one of his official visits.  So far, God’s Gift has three visits planned:  Cincinnati on April 8, Washington on April 15th, and St. Johns on the 21st.  .  His coach states that Kentucky is interested but was playing at the Final Four at the time and would try to “bring him up”. 

It appears that God’s Gift would project as a project and I am not sure how much he could contribute this season.  If he became a Wildcat, it could be an interesting piece of trivia if UK makes the Final Four with him next year.  Achiwua made it to the NJCAA Division II Tournament Final Four.

DEANDRE DANIELS  –  10%

No, DeAndre Daniels has not decided yet.  And according to some reports he has eliminated Kentucky from his list, but he still has an offer from Kentucky apparently.  The latest news is that Daniels will visit Duke and that a visit will come after that.  It appears to be between Kansas and Texas for Daniels, but this recruitment has taken so many turns, no one really knows.

TREVOR LACEY –  20%

As with DeAndre Daniels, this is another long recruitment that does not appear to be fruitful for John Calipari.  Apparently, Lacey has made his mind up and is waiting to announce it.  He is scheduled to make his announcement on April 13, as he has moved it up from National Signing Day.  Add this to the fact that he was seem at the Alabama NIT games and it would appear that he is very much a Alabama lean.  Pundits are split on Lacey.  Some say that it is a two team race between Kentucky and Alabama, while other say it is between Alabama and Auburn.  It seems that Lacey wants to be “the man” at whatever school he attends, so you have to think he will re-consider Kentucky if say Knight and Liggins end up going pro.

KEVIN WARE – 40%

The former Tennessee commit is hot property and from all appearances, Kentucky is interested in talking to him.  You have to wonder if Kentucky’s interest in Ware is dictated by the fact they may not get Lacey and may think that one or two of their guard surplus may be headed to the NBA.  Even since I posted the earlier piece about Ware, there seems to be news that Kentucky is picking up the pressure.

So that is the latest on the possibilities for the 2011 class. Who do you want to end up at Kentucky?  Vote in the poll to the right.

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