How big can this be for Kentucky?

With Kentucky signing the #1 recruit in the country John Wall they will potentially propel themselves back into national prominence. But not only that, Wall can become an NBA Lottery pick in 2010 and become one of the highest drafted Kentucky players if he can reach the potential level that is speculated. So I was curious to evaluate the NBA Draft and how Kentucky has fared throughout the years. I found some data online regarding Kentucky and the NBA draft. The numbers are from 1949-2008 draft history (1949 was the first year they did the traditional round robin format)

Kentucky Wildcats
Total NBA draft picks: 35
Total First round draft picks: 23
Total Second round draft picks: 12

Kentucky has only had three first round picks in the 2000's (Jamal Magloire, Teyshaun Prince, and Rajon Rondo) With this recruiting class and the current talent at Kentucky I could see that number exploding in 2010. With Patterson, Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe, and Orton all projected to be top players in the country and Meeks could come back and make himself a first rounder.

Also, John Wall is projected to be the first pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. (Obviously this doesn't mean anything right now) But, if Wall were the first overall pick in the NBA draft he would become the first player in Kentucky Wildcat history to accomplish this feat. The closest Kentucky has had was two #2 picks (Alex Groza and Sam Bowie)

John Wall Signs with Kentucky

Sorry for the delay on the news, traveling today. But big news for the Kentucky Wildcats all around. National #1 ranked recruit Point Guard John Wall has signed to play for the University of Kentucky. Wall will be the highest ranked recruit to sign with the Kentucky Wildcats. I have never been so happy to be wrong. Most of my reports on here about Wall had him leaning toward Miami, which I really felt was true. A news conference will be scheduled at 2pm at Wall's high school on Wednesday. So lets look at what the Wildcats have coming in to the program next year:

Five Star PG- John Wall
Five Star PG- Eric Bledsoe (who qualified today!)
Five Star PF- Demarcus Cousins
Five Star C- Daniel Orton
Four Star SF- Darnell Dodson
Four Star SG- Jon Hood

This freshman class alone could contend for a national title. Add to that Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, and Darius Miller this team could be freakishly good. But lets not let the cart get ahead of the horse. Calipari still needs to get these kids to buy into his system and go out and win games. They do not award any titles in the summer. But this is looking to be a very very bright year for the Cats!

John Wall to make Decision Soon

Reports are indicated that John Wall could be making his decision on where he will bring his talents as early as some time this week. Although as many of you who have followed Wall know this could change at the drop of a hat. Several outlets have confirmed that Wall is down to UK and Miami. Although Duke is still potentially in the running. Duke is where a lot of his AAU camp and "posse" would like him to end up more than likely so they can stay as close to him as possible and cash in on their lottery ticket when he is drafted. I am still thinking that Wall is leaning more towards playing for Miami. There are two very different situations with Kentucky and Miami. He can come to Kentucky and play on a team with a lot of talent, a group that has the potential to contend for a title. Or, he can go to Miami where they will compete in the ACC, probably make the tournament, but Wall will be the absolute go to guy and get all of the shots. Kentucky will have a number of top notch players in the stable next year that could help Wall, but also will take some of Wall's opportunities for scoring. I don't think either choice will affect his NBA recruiting, unless he completely bombs out his freshman year. From what I have read NBA scouts look at efficiency more than just pure scoring. So if Wall goes to Miami and puts up 40 every night, they are going to look at his shooting percentage. It may fare better for Wall to come to Kentucky and become a more efficient player. But I still think that he is leaning toward heading to South Beach. So for now as usual it is a wait an see game with John Wall.

John Wall's List of Schools

John Wall has yet to narrow his list of potential schools and told a reporter with Rivals.com that he will probably narrow that list next week. Wall was scheduled to visit NC Central this weekend but did not end up making the visit. No real shock because I would not think that Wall would have much of an interest playing Division II but Wall played for their new coach and was more than likely doing him a favor. Most would prognosticate that Wall's list is down to Duke, Kentucky, Miami, and Florida. But as we have seen with Wall, only he really knows. A lot of the reason why Wall's recruitment has carried on this long is because he shut it down last year due to his mother being hospitalized with an illness. There have been a lot of questions surrounding Wall's academic eligibility which is still yet to be determined. Either way this kid is keeping a lot of people in the basketball community on their toes. Wall should be able to take his time and make the decision. In my outside opinion, don't be surprised if you see Wall in Miami. He is a one and done guy without a doubt, and wouldn't you rather spend that one in South Beach? He can win with Miami, maybe not a National Championship but at least get them to the tournament.

John Wall Narrows List

Rivals.com #1 ranked recruit John Wall has narrowed his list to seven schools. N.C. State, Duke, Memphis, Baylor, Kansas, Miami and Kentucky are all in the running for the PG to join their team next year. Coach Calipari is out of the recruiting trail this week and I would imagine he will be paying a visit to Mr. Wall. Although Wall will more than likely start wherever he goes Kentucky is in desperate need of PG.