Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing the Competition for Andrew Wiggins
Mar 24, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward James Michael McAdoo (43) dribbles the ball in the second half of the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the third round of the NCAA basketball tournament at the Sprint Center. Kansas won 70-58. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina Tar Heels:
Final Season Ranking- N/A
2012/2013 Record- 24-10
Tournament Performance- Lost to Kansas 70-58 in Third Round
Key Losses- Reggie Bullock (Small Forward), Dexter Strickland (Guard)
Key Players Returning- James Michael McAdoo (Forward), P.J. Hairston (Guard), Marcus Paige (Guard)
Key Incoming Freshmen- #16 Isaiah Hicks, #57 Kennedy Meeks, #90 Nate Brit
Recruiting Class Rank- #13
2013/2014 Preseason Rank- N/A
The Tar Heels had a bit of a disappointing season. Despite having talent with James Michael McAdoo, P.J. Hairston, Dexter Strickland and Reggie Bullock, UNC couldn’t rise above mediocrity. Wiggins will be walking into a talented group with leadership. As we all know, North Carolina is one of the blue blood programs in college basketball. Wiggins will get his wish when it comes to talent, facilities and coaching. After all, Roy Williams can boast two national championship trophies.
But how would he fit in with the rest of the team? UNC doesn’t have a lot coming in as far as talent is concerned. Hicks and Meeks are both good players but are considered projects. The returning core of McAdoo and Hairston is quite formidable, but Wiggins would instantly become the best player in Chaple Hill. Is this conducive to his personality?
While the talent is there at North Carolina it isn’t on par with Kentucky, but that may be a good thing for Wiggins. Kennedy Meeks has been pushing hard for his fellow McDonald’s All American and he might just get him.
Mar 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Naadir Tharpe (1) dribbles during the game against the Michigan Wolverines during the semifinals of the South regional of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas Jayhawks:
Final Season Ranking- #8
2012/2013 Record- 29-5
Tournament Performance- Lost in the Sweet Sixteen to Michigan 87-85 (Overtime)
Key Losses- Ben McLemore (Guard), Jeff Withey (Center), Travis Releford (Guard)
Key Players Returning- Perry Ellis (Forward), Naadir Tharpe (Gaurd)
Key Incoming Freshman- #12 Wayne Seldon, #25 Joel Embid, #29 Brannen Greene, #24 Connor Frankamp, #76 Frank Mason
Recruiting Class Ranking- #2
2013/2014 Preseason Rank- #20
Out of the schools recruiting Wiggins, this is the one that worries me the most. Kansas may have lost most of the key components from a Sweet Sixteen run, but Perry Ellis and Naadir Tharpe are good up and coming players. Kansas’ class may not be as big as Kentucky’s, but any other year and it would be the clear #1 group. Wayne Seldon and Joel Embid have been lighting up the All Star game circuit and would provide, if Wiggins comes, a set of replacements for McLemore, Withey and Releford.
The problem with Kansas is that year after year, Bill Self’s teams tend to not live up to expectations. Yes, I know that Self has a national title under his belt, but how many times has Kansas been ranked #1 or #2 going into a tournament only to get knocked off before the Final Four? Bill Self is a very good coach, but I don’t think he is a great one.
A commit from Wiggins would put this team in the top ten. Jayhawk fans are just as passionate as Wildcat fans, and Kansas is, like UK and UNC, a blue blood program that has the facilities. Wiggins could be the focus of this team but still be surrounded by talent. It could be the perfect fit.