The Big Blue Lowdown

It seems like yesteryear that UK was recruiting players like Konner Tucker to lead the storied Big Blue Program into glory. No more! Since Billy G drove the Budweiser truck out of Lexington, the Big Blue has found its rightful place once again on the center of the Recruiting map.

Coach Calipari is on fire. He is the “It” Coach at the “It” Program, and he has enjoyed two straight #1 recruiting classes. How about a third straight, and potentially, the greatest recruiting class of all time?

2011 verbal commitments currently on board:

1) Michael Gilchrist (6’7, 210 lbs., SF-#1 Rivals; #1 ESPN ranked player)
Gilchrist is an athletic freak described as a “high energy slasher” with a nice outside touch. He is long, fast, strong and has an incredible game IQ. The consensus #1 recruited player in the Nation.

2) Marquis Teague (6’2, 175 lbs., PG - #5 Rivals; #3 ESPN)
With the quickest first step of any 2011 PG recruit, Teague is a lightning fast dribbler made for Coach Cal’s offense. He is also an excellent on the ball defender. He does need to work on the outside jumper.

3) Anthony Davis (6’10, 210 lbs, PF/C-#8 Rivals; #12 ESPN)
Davis is described as a wiry, athletic freak with great hands, a soft shooting touch, and a guy who can run the floor and finish with the best of them. A late bloomer, Davis’ stock is rising, and he may end up the #1 ranked 2011 player by next Summer. Davis does need to add some bulk but he will be an impact player day one.

2011 Players to watch that have expressed heavy interest in UK:

Quincy Miller (6’8, 200lbs, PF #2 Rivals; #2 ESPN) - Lean, athletic, finisher (See Terrence Jones).
Anthony Wroten (6’4, 180 lbs, #26 Rivals) - A physical slashing PG who can play off guard.
Andonis Thomas (6’6, 210 lbs, SF #18 Rivals) - A skilled slasher perfect for the DD offense.

Read further about recruiting ranks here:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/rankings/rank-2288

Shane Sidebottom, Big Blue Lowdown contributor