2012-13 College Basketball Preview: 8. Kentucky Wildcats

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8. Kentucky Wildcats

WHY THEY’RE SCARY: John Calipari racks up more top-tier recruits than George Clooney. 6-10 center Nerlens Noel is arguably the top player in this class, and could help ease the pain of losing Anthony Davis. 6-8 forward Alex Poythress is a physical specimen, and 7-0 Willie Cauley-Stein gives the Cats even more presence inside. N.C. State transfer Ryan Harrow will take over at the point, and top returnee Kyle Wiltjer should make the leap to All-SEC level.

WHAT SCARES US: At some point, there’s going to be a down year. There’s gotta be. And if it’s going to happen, this could be the time. Anthony Davis is a once-in-a-generation player who won the National Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Tournament Most Outstanding Player, was a No. 1 overall pick and U.S. Olympian. And oh yeah, Mike Kidd-Gilchrist was the No. 2 pick in the draft. Five other draft picks are gone.

FINAL DESTINATION: Last year at this time, we were wondering whether or not Kentucky could replace all of its departing talent. Ahh, how naïve we were. If there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s this: Never bet against Calipari and freshmen talent. UK will be just fine…if not Final Four good.

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