Calipari Hitting Recruiting Trail

 

 

Calipari trying to land studs

When John Calipari was introduced as the new University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach on April 1, many thought he would have an immediate impact on the recruiting trail, and they were right. 

Calipari has already met with over half a dozen 5-star recruits in person and over 10 either in person or on the phone.

John Wall, the top player in the 2009 class, has already met with Calipari twice within the last two weeks, as has Harrison Barnes. 5-star juniors Will Barton, Joe Jackson, Adreian Payne, Dominique Ferguson, and Brandon Knight have also received in-person visits.

Calipari is known for going after the best-of-the-best type recruits and he has shown that in the three weeks that he has been head coach of Kentucky. Already 2009 All-American John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Darnell Dodson have added UK to their lists or committed to UK under Calipari. Over five top 20 players in the 2010 class have added UK to their school lists since Cal got hired, and the #1 player in the 2011 class, Michael Gilchrist, has listed UK as his top school.

Calipari talked about changing the culture of UK basketball at his inaugural press conference, and he has done an amazing job so far. He appears headed to lock up a top 3 recruiting class this year, and the #1 class if John Wall chooses Kentucky. In three weeks he has signed a 5-star player and a 4-star player, as well as keeping the commitments of 5-star center Daniel Orton and 4-star small forward Jon Hood.

Calipari is well on his way to legendary status, all he has to do is keep hitting the recruiting trail.