Kentucky Recruting 2010: Dropoff? What Dropoff?

Wow, so I still can't believe that Coach Cal pulled off Terrence Jones to Kentucky - but with that news lets look at this year vs last year.  

This 2011 class is shaping up to be good. The 2009 class was unbelievable. The 2010 class is more than just Washington's - it's better than 2009... at least by the numbers. So let's look at this seasons crop of Freshmen and compare them to one of the best classes ever.

Rivals C/O 2009
#1 PG John Wall (5 Star)
#2 C Demarcus Cousins (5 Star)
#22 C Daniel Orton (5 Star)
#23 PG Eric Bledsoe (5 Star)
#40 SF Jon Hood (4 Star)
#17 Avg #22 Median (4.8 Star Avg)

Rivals C/O 2010
#3 C Enes Kanter (5 Star)
#6 PG Brandon Knight (5 Star)
#13 PF Terrence Jones (5 Star)
#21 SG Doron Lamb (5 Star)
#33 SF Stacey Poole (4 Star)
#12.6 Avg #13 Median (4.8 Star Avg)

So the 2009 Class was highly touted and Cal has been 'ripped' for only getting guys that are top notch, one-and-done players. The 2009 Class of Freshmen averaged to the 17 spot - 12.6 for 2010. If you use some Olympic rules and throw out Jon Hood (lowest) and John Wall (highest) the average is a 15.6... it's a 10 for the 2010 class. If we simply look at the numbers, the 2010 class shapes up to be better than last year... and better by far.


But these aren't numbers they are people. Just because a player is ranked high, doesn't mean they are NBA ready or will leave immediately. Alternatively, because they are ranked  >#20, doesn't mean they will stay. When you look at the players for 2010, Jones and Lamb are each expected to be +2 years guys; Knight is speculated to be a 1-2 year guy. It’s hard to imagine... but that could leave three of the four best players in (on paper) the best class to attend UK at Kentucky when a 2011 class is added. Who will that include? The Cats will top it out with 2 more top tier verbally players in #2 Marquis Teague (PG) and #1 Michael Gilchrist (SF).

What a wild ride. I know people complain about the one-and-done stress. But it sure is fun when the talent is replenished with - well - better talent. I know people say Cal can't recruit the top guys year-in and year-out. But in his first two seasons of recruiting and what is expected to be his third class for 2011, he's done just that. While I don't like the guessing games and the last minute LOI signatures, I do like that Cal goes after top talent without hesitation that the player could actually be better than their Rival rating and might leave before hoped, planned, or expected.

Sure, it hasn't panned out in championships after one season - but I don't mind 35 win seasons and the next year has just as much promise. Especially, if not all of the guys are expected to be one-and-done. They aren't all NBA ready. They are though, top talent. They can be veteran players in another year and can be coupled with new superstars - which can win Champioships.

I realize I need to wait till kids are on campus and have a ball in their hand but as a Kentucky fan - it sure is fun to think about.