Commentary

Starting 5: UK and the Fab Five

Kentucky's historic class, Jabari Parker's return to form and more recruiting

Updated: January 12, 2013, 11:42 AM ET

By Dave Telep | ESPN RecruitingNation

We welcome you to the inaugural edition of "Starting 5." Every Monday, we're rolling out five stories, themes and nuggets from the basketball recruiting world to tip off your week in proper form. We'll set the table with the stories that need to be told and give you a leg up on the water cooler conversations around the office.

Right out of the gates we'll begin with the decision that caught everyone by surprise. Though the choice of Kentucky for No. 1 senior center Dakari Johnson (New York/Montverde Academy) shocked no one, I bet that when you woke up Saturday morning to news he was ready to announce, you did a double take. When I first caught wind of the news, I know I did. Turns out Johnson wanted it over.

Want to know the latest basketball recruiting news, including how Kentucky's 2013 class stacks up to the Fab Five and how far Jabari Parker's game has come in the past month? Become an ESPN Insider and find out.