NCAA probing recruitment of incoming Kentucky freshman Noel

Everett, MA, United States (4E Sports) – Kentucky has filled its rosters of late with some of the most talented high school recruits in the nation with current top recruit Nerlens Noel a prime example, but the recruitment of the heralded freshman center is under investigation.

NCAA officials visited Noel’s New England prep school earlier this month according to reports.

It was the second trip to the Kentucky freshman’s prep school by the NCAA enforcement’s staff. Two NCAA officials travelled to Noel’s high school in Massachusetts in May.

The three-hour meeting focused on people surrounding the recruitment of the 6-foot-10 Noel and how Noel paid for his unofficial visits, according to S.I.com, citing a person with knowledge of the NCAA inquiry.

A former NCAA investigator, according to the same report, indicated that the recent NCAA visit was beyond a routine check of Noel’s recruitment as Kentucky chief compliance officer Sandy Bell was also present in the meeting, but did not ask many questions.

Noel indicated that he has been academically cleared to play at Kentucky, an issue not tackled in the meeting.

Apart from being touted by several scouting services as one of the top picks in the 2013 NBA Draft, Noel faces a daunting task of replicating the success of college basketball’s best big man, Anthony Davis, who moved on to the NBA. Davis led the Wildcats to the national title last season.

Noel, 18, was originally part of the class of 2013, but was reclassified to the 2012 college recruiting class.

He forms part of another Wildcats top recruiting class by coach John Calipari, which also includes Archie Goodwin and Alex Poythress.

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