Learn More About Nerlens Noel

Dave Telep, the senior recruiting analyst for ESPN, turned his focus one one of the same players Calipari chose to focus on today, Nerlens Noel.  Noel likely isn’t a name you’re too familiar with, as he is in the class of 2013 and not 2012, but it’s clear he’s a primary target for Kentucky and when you read more about him it’s easy to see why.

The analysis from Telep is an Insider piece, but if you have that and want to check it out you can go here.  If not, here’s a few excerpts from his analysis:

1. Noel best shot blocker since Oden?

The best defensive player in the country isn’t a senior. It is junior Nerlens Noel (Boston/ Tilton)…

I’ve heard a lot of people criticize his offense and that’s true, he has work to do but he’s not a bad offensive player, he’s just a superstar on defense. He has the work ethic and the offense will come.

The stat sheet said Noel had 12 points and eight boards versus All-Iowa but only three blocks. The fact of the matter is Noel dominated play in the first half where Iowa scored just 12 points.

Noel isn’t the prospect Greg Oden was at the same age, but it’s been that long since high school basketball has seen a natural shot-blocker of that caliber. Anthony Davis was excellent last year but Noel is threatening to join an elite club of rejectors.

For all the hype that John Calipari’s teams get for being exciting to watch, they are often under looked by most as supremely talented defensive clubs.  If Nerlens Noel really is the best defensive player in the nation as a junior – already drawing comparisons to Anthony Davis and Greg Oden on that side of the court – it’s no surprise that Cal considers him a priority.  Post offense can be taught in college, shot blocking and rebounding is often considered a more instinctual part of the game where timing is everything.

Plus, Noel’s got a flat top.  I’ve always said, if there is one thing missing from Kentucky basketball it’s a player with a flat top.

Go get ’em Cal.