Kentucky Wildcat 2012 Basketball Recruiting Notes: Are Cat's losing out on top prospects?

First off, let me state that I am in no way, shape, or form concerned about John Calipari’s recruiting efforts for 2012.  It is of my sincere belief that the major hold up with a lot of recruits right now is the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement and it’s decision on an early entrant age.

As it stands now with the one and done rule, Kentucky could lose Marquis Teague, Michael Gilchrist, and Anthony Davis to the NBA after next season.  If the NBA implements a two year rule, the entire 2011 class is in Lexington for two years.  And this uncertainty is what is keeping a lot of recruits from pulling the trigger lately.  There is also the possibility that the NBA may implement the two year rule yet grandfather in the 2011 class, which will allow them to be “one and dones”.

Regardless, Kentucky seems to have taken a few hits on the recruiting trail.  It’s something I am not overly concerned about as this is a dead period and no commitments have really been announced, but it’s my job to bring you the news, whether good, bad, or indifferent.

KYLE ANDERSON

Kyle Anderson has cut his list to five teams and Kentucky is not one of them.  Anderson is down to Seton Hall, St. Johns’ Georgetown, UCLA, and Florida.  Anderson has visited all of the school except for Florida and he will visit them in September.  Anderson is a unique prospect as at 6’8, he wants to play PG although he has been playing the SF position in AAU games recently.  I know that Kentucky was pursuing Anderson, but I really don’t know if Calipari would play him at the point.  Plus the recent announcement by Ryan Harrow and the possibility that Marquis Teague could still be around probably effectively ended Anderson’s interest in UK.

SHABAZZ MUHAMMAD

Now this would be a big hit for UK’s 2012 class.  Muhammad has had a final three of Kentucky, UCLA, and North Carolina for all of 2011, and has seemed to go cold on North Carolina.  The latest speculation is that Muhammad is now a UCLA lean.  As we recall, there was speculation that Shabazz was close to a decision, but that never came.  UCLA has the big geographic advantage over Kentucky, but I would say the longer this drags on, the better for UK.  Muhammad is one of Calipari’s top targets and as we know the man does not like to lose.

KALEB TARCZEWSKI

The Massachusetts big man has cut his list to a list of three favorites and Kentucky was not included.  Kaleb listed Kansas, North Carolina, and Arizona as the leaders and will finish visits to all three schools by the next week or so.  Kaleb has said this is not a “Final three” but the schools he is the most interested in.  He left the door open for other schools, but it looks like a narrow crack as he seems to really be leaning towards these three.

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