Noel: two down, three to go
Since deciding to move up from the 2013 class to the 2012 class, Nerlens Noel has knocked out visits to Syracuse and Kentucky. The plan for the 6-foot-10 center is to take three more visits before making a decision.
Kentucky played host to Noel on his most recent visit, and he came away with a positive view of the Wildcats' program.
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"It was a good visit," said Noel, who attends the Tilton (N.H.) School. "It was my first time down there, but I got a good feel for the situation. I was able to sit down with the coaches, and they showed me how I can excel in a year or however long I want to be there."
Much has been written about the similarities between Noel and current Kentucky star Anthony Davis. Both are prolific shot blockers who can control a game on the defensive end and also have promising offensive games.
"The coaches didn't necessarily compare me to Davis," said Noel. "But they did say that I can do the same things for them that he is doing."
As far as comparing his Syracuse visit to his Kentucky visit, Noel didn't see much of a difference.
"The visits were very similar," he said. "Both schools have great facilities and great coaches."
Although Kentucky and Syracuse are considered the top contenders to land Noel, he does plan to visit the other three schools on his list: Florida, Georgetown and North Carolina.
On all his visits, Noel has a strong sense of what he is looking for in what will likely be a one-year stint of college basketball.
"I'm looking for a program where I will play right away and contend for a national championship," he said. "Also, developing my game and getting better is important."