Let the Reclassification Rumors Begin

      The class of 2014 for Kentucky, as of now, seems to be a full on push for Stanley Johnson. However, as Mr. Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!" Just when Kentucky fans thought there might be some calmer times in the recruiting world, the rumors begin to swirl of some 2015 studs considering reclassification. Most notably, Malik Newman and Charles Matthews are starting to be the talk of the rumors that they may become members of the 2014 class.  Malik Newman may be the most interesting case out of the two. Malik Newman's birth date prevents him from entering the 2015 draft. That does not disqualify him from reclassifying into the 2014 class. Newman would simply be required to stay in college for two years. Newman is more than ready for the collegiate game. He is the number one ranked player in the 2015 class and would easily be in the top 5 for 2014. He is a combo guard with an uncanny ability to score from all areas of the floor. To add more buzz to the Newman saga, Coach Calipari visited Newman this week at his home in Mississippi. Newman is at 100% to Kentucky on the Crystal Ball at 247Sports.com. Newman is considered a heavy Kentucky lean, although we have heard this before and been shocked. Regardless, Newman creates very interesting situations for Kentucky if he would join the class. Would Calipari play Newman at the point with Ulis off the bench? Would he utilize Newman as a pure shooting guard and push Booker to the 3 in a 3 guard lineup. Only time will tell, but two years of Newman would be a monumental gain for Kentucky. On the other hand, Charles Matthews, the AAU teammate of Tyler Ulis, is a very possible reclassification prospect for the one and done path. Unlike Newman, Matthews is fully eligible, age wise, of entering the NBA Draft. Matthews is listed as a shooting guard, but certainly has the size to defend at the 3 position. He would create an outstanding complement alongside Devin Booker on the wings, giving Ulis plenty of weapons to facilitate the offense. Matthews is at 92% to Kentucky on the Crystal Ball with one prediction for Illinois. Kentucky has a clear advantage with Matthews' friend and teammate Tyler Ulis already in the fold. With the 3 spot open in the Kentucky starting lineup for next year as of now (Assuming Poythress and James Young are NBA bound), Matthews would be an excellent addition in the event Stanley Johnson chose elsewhere. While all of the reclassifying news is exciting, both players' academic standing is the primary question for their eligibility to reclassify. That factor is beyond my journalistic powers of finding out so, until the players give any info on their intentions, the reclassifying rumors will have to remain speculation. @JayHochKSR