Part II: Defense Wins Championships

By Erin Ashley ()

Anthony Davis was a one of a kind phenom, a unique talent that only comes around once in a blue moon. He came to the University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball program and shattered all expectations on his way to becoming one of the most decorated freshmen players.

From winning the distinguished Naismith Award, the National Association of College Basketball Coaches Defensive Player of the Year Award and a host of other accolades, to helping the Wildcats pick up their eighth NCAA College National Championship title, Davis has proven to be a very valuable player, teammate and the ultimate Wildcat going into and out of Kentucky’s 2011-2012 season.

As he goes on to professional play in the NBA, Big Blue Nation already feels a huge void, and they are already pondering who in the incoming recruited class of 2012 is left to fill the gaping defensive hole? Well, Wildcat fans believe that Nerlens Noel, the number one ranked recruit in the class of 2012 in the ESPNU 100, will be a most serious contender and heir apparent for the “Shot Blocking King” title next season.

And some may feel that this behemoth Center, standing strong at 6-foot-10 and a solid 215 pounds, from Everett, Mass. has the innate abilities to even exceed some of Davis’ accomplishments.

When asked how he feels about the expectations fans have of him already, Noel explains that he himself has set the bar high. Nerlens envisions a future filled with lofty intentions. “My future goals are to win a National Championship, Win National Player of the Year and beat Anthony Davis’ shot block record,” Noel stated.

With such high ambitions and even tougher expectations for himself, Noel looks forward to preparing for the season with a dedicated work ethic so he can do big things for the Big Blue Nation. It all starts now for Noel, and he will not stop until he has achieved all of his objectives. “I’m going to be working out a lot,” Noel said, “I think I am going to come down to Kentucky in June or July if I can.”

With big shoes to fill, Noel is already prepared to step onto campus in the right frame of mind and in the best shape possible so he can get the ball rolling for his coaches, teammates and school.

However, as with any hard court team, ten hands are better than two. The amazing team we saw this year of Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Darius Miller, Doron Lamb, Terrence Jones and Kyle Wiltjer was a uniquely special team, young but full of talent, comradery and better yet, hope.

Collectively, they had one mission to which they set about tirelessly and selflessly achieving– A National Title.  It is very rare to have a team like that and so young go on to win a National Championship.

But the incredible achievement of the 2011 champions does not seem to deter Nerlens Noel or the other incoming Wildcats (Harrow, Goodwin, Poythress, and Cauley-Stein) for that matter. Accomplished in their own right, these new class of top recruits savor the pressure of winning a national championship, and believe it will only help to propel the Wildcats toward bringing home title number nine for Lexington.

“ I think we will be able to handle the pressure,” Noel claims, “ Coach Cal will probably put us in different positions during the games and I know he won’t let it (the pressure) get to us, he will keep us grounded.”

With two good hands, agility, athleticism and a good head on his shoulder, Nerlens Noel is ready to make an immediate impact on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball program, as he proudly asserts in his promise to the Big Blue Nation:

“My message to the fans is that the group of guys that we have coming in now can definitely make an impact on the college scene. We will just work harder and do our very best to bring number nine to Kentucky.”

Determination, Commitment to Excellence, Leadership Qualities…. could we see a repeat or duplication of effort, form and faith? Maybe yes and maybe not, it still remains to be seen; but one thing we can definitely take away from this in-depth exchange  is that Nerlens Noel is ready to work hard for his teammates, his school and for his new Kentucky true blue fans. The question is, are you ready for it?