BBL: Noel gives Kentucky a shot at going back-to-back

I’ll admit I was a bit surprised when Nerlens Noel turned around on the set of ESPNU last night and there was a UK logo cut into the back of his now famous mane.

The buzz leading up to the announcement appeared to indicate the shot-blocking center was headed to Georgetown. Even John Calipari, during his appearance early in the signing day special, seemed to temper expectations.

After Wednesday night, I don’t think Calipari is going to the Knicks. Or any other NBA team. Why would a coach turn his back on the chance at a second consecutive NCAA title — in this case, with a completely different roster — which is what Kentucky now has the chance of accomplishing with Noel in the fold.

Also, WTVQ, the ABC affiliate in Lexington, reported the news on a crawl during Modern Family last night. (Screen shot after the jump.)

Click the continue line for today’s Big Blue Links.

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Nerlens Noel picks Kentucky, reports Ben Roberts of H-L.
• Noel says he wants a repeat, reports C-J’s Jody Demling.
• Kentucky is Kentucky, writes ESPN’s Eamonn Brennan.
• Noel picks the Wildcats, reports Evan Daniels of Scout.
• Noel to fill Davis role, says Mike DeCourcy of Sporting News.
• UK hoping Robinson helps return game, reports Jen Smith of H-L.
• Noel says Calipari is a good person, reports ESPNU’s Paul Biancardi.
• Cobbins hitting books this spring, reports C-J’s Kyle Tucker.
• Noel makes UK’s future flat-out scary, says Ryan Greene of Yahoo.
• Noel best in his area since Patrick Ewing, reports Boston Herald.
• Noel welcomes lofty expectations, writes Jason Jordan of ESPN.
• Noel’s decision was in his head, says Joel Benbow of Boston Globe.
• No. 1 prospect commits to UK, writes Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports.
• UCLA’s top recruits a boon and a burden, says LAT’s Bill Plaschke.
• Shabazz leaves Howland giddy, reports Ben Bolch of the LA Times.
• Noel boosts the Cats, writes Rivals’ Eric Bossi.
• UK softball splits doubleheader, reports Cody Porter of Kernel.

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Related links:

• Follow John Clay on twitter
• Friend John Clay on Facebook
• Check out UK recruiting headlines at Next Cats

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Here’s the screenshot of WTVQ in Lexington reporting the news during Modern Family last night.