Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Preview of the 2013 recruiting class as it stands today

Kentucky has received their LOI from 7 of the 8 players in the 2013 recruiting class, and the only other player we are waiting on that’s already committed is Julius Randle. No need to worry Randle will sign his in the next couple of days I am sure. Keep in mind I am leaving out Andrew Wiggins because he hasn’t made a choice on where he will go to school, but Kentucky is in good shape for him as well.

I just wanted to give everybody a preview of what to expect from the 2013 class player by player. I will make it brief because we all know they are very good.

  • Andrew and Aaron Harrison– They were the biggest package deal in the history of college basketball recruiting, and really set John Calipari’s class up to be the best ever. Andrew is the better of the two because he can shoot from the outside, but also handle the ball if needed. Aaron is nothing short of a true point guard, and a great leader on and off the floor. I have saw them in person twice over the past year, and I can tell you that confidence is not going to be a problem for these two. Kentucky will have the nations best backcourt next season thanks to the twins.
  • Julius Randle- A complete MONSTER, and he showed that on Saturday at Jordan Brand Classic. Randle looked like a man amongst boys out on the floor. Andrew Wiggins is the #1 player in the nation, but I would put Randle a very close 2. He came back off a foot injury, and led his high school team to a state title scoring 78 points in two games at about 85% he told me earlier this month. I will go ahead and make a prediction that I think he will be a 1st team all-American next season.
  • James Young- Young will most likely be coming off the bench for Kentucky next season, but don’t let that worry you about his ability. Young is a slasher, but makes his living beyond the 3 point range. I watched him at the MCAAG but he was injured and didn’t get a lot of minutes, but rebounded at the Jordan Brand game with a great performance. He will be counted on next season a bunch, and he could lead Kentucky in scoring a couple times throughout the season.

Dakari Johnson-

One word for Johnson is a “BULL” around the basket. Johnson is your typical big man, and stands at 7 foot tall now. Dakari has great footwork, and a nice little jump shot around the basket. Like Jamres Young he will most likely be coming off the bench to replace Willie Cauley-Stein, but will still get a lot of minutes. I love his attitude as well all he wants to do is win. I expect a great freshman season for the big guy.

  • Marcus Lee- Marcus had a great senior season, and moved from a 4 star prospect to a 5 star, and now is ranked in the top 20 of every major recruiting service. He averaged almost a triple double this season, and became a MCAA and Jordan Brand all star. He reminds me a lot of a poor mans Anthony Davis the way he runs the floor, and blocks shots. Lee will most likely need to put on same weight before a becomes a major player in the college ranks, but the talent is there without a doubt.
  • Derek Willis– Willis was Kentucky’s 1st commitment for this great class, and had a good senior season at Bullitt East High School. He was runner up for Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball to another Kentucky signee Dominique Hawkins. Willis will be a 4 year player, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he got some minutes this season. I know Calipari really likes the potential of Willis, and so do I. He will play along with teammate Dominique Hawkins this Friday at the Derby City Classic in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Dominique Hawkins- Hawkins was Calipari’s last commit, and has always called UK his “dream school” so I and the whole state were very happy he got the offer from Kentucky. He got the offer after leading his team to the state title in which he dominated throughout. He is a tough nosed point guard, and reminds Calipari of Eric Bledsoe. I can see the comparison and if that happens Watch out. I fully expect him to give the Harrison Twins a good backup to look to.
  • Watch this video of the Harrison Twins, and tell me this doesn’t put a smile on your face

    Julius Randle official mixtape

    Schedule

    Schedule