Nerlens Noel is Now a Senior, Reclassifies to 2012 Class

The undisputed top defender in the country is now a member of the class of 2012–once again. Nerlens Noel, the 6-10 center known for his shot-blocking expertise and dominance in the paint, will now be graduating this spring and attend college in the fall. Noel was ranked third in SLAM’s Fresh 25–2013. The interesting question that now arises, and that many will propose, is who’s the top senior in the country,  still Shabazz Muhammad or does Noel overthrow him? One thing is for sure, there will be lots of college coaches that will now have to adjust their recruiting plans for the spring.  From ESPN BOSTON: “I just thought over the season that I thought I was getting a higher level of competition and was working on my game,” Noel said. “I reclassified because I was hurt but I feel like I’m ready to play at the next level.” Two weeks ago, Noel was the dominant big man at the HoopHall Classic, which helped him make his decision. “I kind of put me over the top but it was on my mind for a while,” Noel said. Noel and Jabari Parker (Chicago, Ill./Simeon) were battling for the top spot in a loaded 2013 class… Noel has already been to Providence and Connecticut and will visit Syracuse on Feb. 11. “I’m ready to do it. It’s a short window of time to pick a school and that’s a concern to get out there and visit and maintain all my schoolwork,” Noel said. Noel said he will also visit Kentucky, Florida, Georgetown and North Carolina. “Some of the coaches gave me dates but I have a couple of big games on those days so they’re not really planned yet,” Noel said. Noel said he won’t rush his decision but acknowledged his recruitment will have a quickened pace. “There’s not really a timeframe for me to wrap it up,” Noel said. “I just want to get in as many visits to these schools before signing day.”