Commentary
UK tops the SEC but suffers a blow
Originally Published: May 17, 2012
By Mike LaPlante | ESPN RecruitingNation
Here's a team-by-team breakdown of the SEC's 2012 recruiting classes.
Kentucky Wildcats
Although the run of consecutive No. 1 recruiting classes may have come to an end in 2012, the Wildcats didn't relinquish the title without a fight. The John Calipari era in the Bluegrass State has made highly rated recruiting classes commonplace, and this group continues the migration of elite players to Lexington as Kentucky reloads to compete for another national title. Center Nerlens Noel (Everett, Mass./Tilton School), No. 1 overall, is a shot-blocking specialist who can impact a game without scoring. Fellow five-star prospects small forward Alex Poythress (Clarksville, Tenn./Northeast) and shooting guard Archie Goodwin (Little Rock, Ark./Sylvan Hills) will provide scoring punch from the wings, and 6-foot-10 center Willie Cauley (Spearville, Kan./Olathe Northwest) is a high-octane athlete who runs, rebounds and blocks shots with the best of them.
Florida Gators
With the graduation of Erving Walker and the early departure of Bradley Beal to the NBA draft, the Gators were in need of bolstering their backcourt and they did just that with the addition of point guard Braxton Ogbueze (Charlotte, N.C./United Faith Christian) and shooters Michael Frazier (Tampa, Fla./Montverde), DeVon Walker (Winter Haven, Fla./Winter Haven) and Dillon Graham (Orlando, Fla./First Academy). The staff had some near misses, while targeting some high-level post players, and will be focusing on power forwards and centers in the 2013 class.To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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