Nerlens Noel still has good shot at top NBA draft pick despite injury

Aug 5, 2011; Lexington, KY USA; Kentucky Wildcats helmet and football sit on the field during media day at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

As we head into summer, we can expect Mark Stoops to build on his 2014 class. Four star cornerback Darius West will make his announcement on May 30th, and Kentucky is in a very good position.

"The Central Catholic standout from Lima (Ohio) is a Rivals250 prospect coveted for his coverage skills that have made him an attractive defensive back that can play cornerback or safety. Darius West has narrowed his choices to Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State and Wisconsin. Coaches from many colleges have stopped by during the spring and West said Kentucky, Louisville and Indiana have probably recruited him the hardest. The Hoosiers are not a finalist but the Cats and Cards are. West will announce his decision at a press conference on May 30. “It’s between Wisconsin, Michigan State, Louisville and Kentucky,” West told Cats Illustrated. He then proceeded to break down his interest in each school. “Kentucky, it’s what coach (Mark) Stoops has proven. It’s what he’s done as far as draft picks. Eleven total first round DB’s. The number one defense in the nation last year. He put seven defensive players (in the draft) this year. Coach (D.J.) Eliot has been with him for a while so they know their defense. I love what they’re trying to do, getting all those Ohio recruits. It’s great what coach (Vince) Marrow has done.”"

There is some late news on West as Ole Miss has apparently gotten involved with him and he may visit Mississippi soon.  Ole Miss has offered, but as of now, West’s announcement has not been changed.

Photo credit: Darren Durham for the WBN

Meanwhile the Kentucky offers continue. Alabama LB Keith Holcombe is one of the latest offers.

"Keith Holcombe wasn’t expecting to hear from Kentucky and when he learned the Wildcats were interested it caught him off guard. Things moved in a hurry. “I didn’t know they were really recruiting me until my high school head coach said they were probably going to call last Saturday. That’s the day they offered,” Holcombe said of UK. Derrick Ansley is the coach that talked to Holcombe and he made a positive impression right off the bat. “He pretty much said that they really liked my film and they like how I play hard,” he said. “They talked to my head coach and they liked what he said. They could see me coming in and playing extremely early. He gave me some background on coach (Mark) Stoops and what’s going to be changing at Kentucky in the next couple of years.” One thing immediately caught Holcombe’s attention and created a special interest in UK. “It’s the SEC,” he said. “That was my first SEC offer. I would love to go there but right now I’m just trying to keep an open mind to everything. I’m not trying to lean a certain way just yet, but Kentucky would be a great place to be. Lexington’s a great place.”"