#1 Kentucky Wildcats

Our final 2009 class rankings were revealed from May 11, 2009 -May 20, 2009. One team per day.

First year head Coach John Calipari has been on the trail rebuilding this program over the last 6 weeks. Now who would have known that the turn around would have been so quick and dramatic for one of the most prestigious programs college basketball history. This six man class is the best since the 2006 North Carolina and Ohio State classes for sure and has drawn countless comparison already to the "Fab 5". The college basketball landscape has been turned on its head over the last two months and its looking ever more likely that the games all time leader in wins, will remain that way.


John Wall- This kid is electric Ala Derrick Rose. We love his potential and his promise. He has blazing speed and is almost impossible to defend. Athletically Wall is probably on another level from every other player in this class. Though his game is fast it is always under control, he just makes tough plays look routine and that is one of the indicators that this kid is blessed with that IT factor. Wall's length and lateral quickness leads me to believe that he will be a terror at the defensive end as well, as long as he is devoted and disciplined.

High School: Word of God Christian Academy
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Position: PG
Height: 6'3
Weight: 175
Rivals.com Rank: #1, #1PG
Scout.com Rank: #2, #1 PG
ESPN.com Rank: #5, #1 PG, scouts grade 98
Spin: The best athlete in the class. We like Rivals rank best.

DeMarcus Cousins- One of two sure fire NBA players in the class. Cousins is one of the most versatile and skilled bigs in the entire 09' class. This kid has the footwork to productively bang in the post and the versatility to cross his man over and pull up from 15-18 feet, that's scary. At times Cousins is fiery and emotional expect this kid to be a fan favorite from day 1. Cousins de-committed from UAB when the school would not include language allowing him to leave if head coach Mike Davis departed. Cousins was a 2009 burger boy and Jordan Brand All-American. He de-committed from Memphis after John Calipari's departure. Averaged 26.0 ppg and 12.0 rpg as a senior.


High School: LeFlore High School
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Position: PF/C
Height: 6'9
Weight: 250
Rivals.com Rank: #2, #1 PF
Scout.com Rank: #3, #2 C
ESPN.com Rank: #4, #1 C, scouts grade 98
Spin: Cousins has undeniable top tier talent. We like Rivals rank best.

Daniel Orton- This kid is a monster in the post. He and Cousin's game should compliment one another well considering that the two are vastly different. Strength and size are clearly his strengths. Orton also sports a small arsenal of patented post moves that he unloads in a very quick fashion. Orton's not the fastest guy in the world but on defense he can hold down the post likes its nobodies business. While on offense Orton is comfortable facing and with his back to the basket. This kid is strong and very cerebral. UK fans think Jamal Magloire blended with Chuck Hayes. Orton had major knee surgery in November of 2008 and is still rounding back into shape, but should be ready by the start of the season.


High School: Bishop McGuinness High School
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Position: PF/C
Height: 6'10
Weight: 265
Rivals.com Rank: #22, #4 C
Scout.com Rank: #17, #4 C
ESPN.com Rank: #13, #4 C, scouts grade 97
Spin: Orton is a true post player, will he fit in? We like Rivals rank best.

Eric Bledsoe- This kid was one of the fastest rising prospects of the 2009 class. Coach Calipari compares his game to Antiono Burks and rightfully so. This kid is strong and extremely heady. Bledsoe's game is comparably to a young watered down Chauncey Billups. Bledsoe has decent size and is extremely strong. This kid can plow his way to the rack or dish the ball of to the open man. This point guard is good but not great, he will produce but will have growing pains.


High School: Parker High
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Position: PG
Height: 6'0
Weight: 175
Rivals.com Rank: #23, #3 PG
Scout.com Rank: #37, #6 PG
ESPN.com Rank: NR, #12 PG, scouts grade 90
Spin: Solid guard, but temper your expectations early. We like Scouts rank best.

Jon Hood- Another youngster that is making the bluegrass state proud. However Hood isn't your average kid from the backwoods. Hood is surprisingly athletic, this kid has a wiry build but can jump out of the gym. Hood can stroke the ball well from the perimeter as well. Overall this kid should contribute energy and some huge baskets off the bench as a freshman. Hood was the 2009 Gatorade Player of the Year in Kentucky. Hood averaged 28.0 ppg and 12.5 rpg as a senior and was Mr. Basketball in the state of Kentucky in 2009.


High School: Madisonville North Hopkins High
Hometown: Madisonville, KY
Position: SG/SF
Height: 6'6
Weight: 185
Rivals.com Rank: #40, #11 SG
Scout.com Rank: #45, # 10 SF
ESPN.com Rank: #92, #19 SF, scouts grade 91
Spin: This kid is athletic and crafty. We like Rivals rank best.


Darnell Dodson- A juco transfer from Miami Dade. During Dodson's high school career it was evident that he was a skilled player. During his senior season in 2007 he was among the most intriguing prospects in the nation, averaging 29 points and 11 rebounds per game. This kid originally committed to Pittsburgh. Dodson is a silky wing player that likes to shoot the jump shot. Dodson would definitely be categorized as a slasher and will compliment current Wildcat Darius Miller's game nicely, that is if he gets to see the court on what will be a loaded roster from 1-13 for the Wildcats next season.


High School: Miami Dade Junior College (FL)
Hometown: Greenbelt, MD
Position: SF
Height: 6'7
Weight: 215
Rivals.com Rank: NA, JUCO, 4 star
Scout.com Rank: N/A, JUCO, 3 star
ESPN.com Rank: N/A, JUCO, scouts grade 95
Spin: We don't know too much about Dodson, this kid could go either way.