Sources tell SLAM that John Wall, the nation’s top high school point guard, committed to the University of Kentucky tonight. Wall picked Kentucky over Duke, Miami and Florida, among other schools. The 6-4 senior from Word of God in Raleigh, N.C., is viewed as the missing piece for new Wildcats coach John Calipari.
With forward Patrick Patterson recently deciding to return to school (and high-scoring guard Jodie Meeks rumored to also be considering pulling out of the NBA Draft) and recruits like Alabama big man DeMarcus Cousins, as well as a talented core group of returnees, Kentucky is likely to be one of the favorites to win a national championship in 2010. While Alabama point guard Eric Bledsoe signed up to play in Lexington recently, in Calipari’s dribble-drive motion offense, multiple ballhandlers can play together in the up-tempo style. In addition, the recent SLAM co-cover boy is viewed as a one-and-done prospect.
Aside from Patterson, Meeks, Cousins and Bledsoe, other future teammates who will benefit from Wall’s playmaking ability include sharpshooting juco recruit Darnell Dodson, incoming freshman big man Daniel Orton and athletic sophomore wings DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller. Long story short, don’t be surprised if you catch a case of deja vu when you watch Big Blue play next season–Wall will remind you a lot of Derrick Rose and with him on the team, Calipari could have another team back in the chip.
With forward Patrick Patterson recently deciding to return to school (and high-scoring guard Jodie Meeks rumored to also be considering pulling out of the NBA Draft) and recruits like Alabama big man DeMarcus Cousins, as well as a talented core group of returnees, Kentucky is likely to be one of the favorites to win a national championship in 2010. While Alabama point guard Eric Bledsoe signed up to play in Lexington recently, in Calipari’s dribble-drive motion offense, multiple ballhandlers can play together in the up-tempo style. In addition, the recent SLAM co-cover boy is viewed as a one-and-done prospect.
Aside from Patterson, Meeks, Cousins and Bledsoe, other future teammates who will benefit from Wall’s playmaking ability include sharpshooting juco recruit Darnell Dodson, incoming freshman big man Daniel Orton and athletic sophomore wings DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller. Long story short, don’t be surprised if you catch a case of deja vu when you watch Big Blue play next season–Wall will remind you a lot of Derrick Rose and with him on the team, Calipari could have another team back in the chip.
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