Nerlens Noel, Freshman, Power Forward/Center, Kentucky
Overview:
Considered one of the top players in the nation from the 2013 recruiting class… if not the top player… Noel chose the Wildcats in a heavily-anticipated showdown between Kentucky, Georgetown and Syracuse. The 6-10, 200-pound senior came from Tilton School in New Hampshire, where Georges Niang (Iowa State) and Domonique Bull (Missouri) also played before committing to colleges. Noel averaged 12.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while at Tilton and is already projected in many circles as the top recruit in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Initially, Noel didn’t project as a top draftee, but a summer performance in 2011 for the Boston Amateur Basketball Club turned a lot of heads. Many have called Noel a tremendous shot blocker and rebounder. He dominated other top players during summer-league action in Massachusetts.
Final Projection:
But can it translate to success in Lexington? There is little question Noel’s skills will be called upon immediately thanks to the graduation of plenty of top talent like Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and others. Davis dominated the NCAA championship game with his unibrow and his versatility, and Noel projects to be a similar player. He may average just a shade under 13 points a game, but it’s the intangibles that will make Noel one of the best incoming players. If he performs at half the level many project he will, Noel will make Kentucky basketball a threat in 2013 and himself an easy lock for No. 1 or No. 2.
See all NBA Draft Profiles and Rankings
