Whether it's Wall Street or college basketball, even in defeat, the rich get richer.
The Kentucky Wildcats have had a rough week. First the NCAA defending champs didn't get an invite to the big dance. Then, on Tuesday, they were unceremoniously sent packing after a first round NIT defeat by Robert Morris University. The 59-57 win caused Robert Morris coach Andy Toole to say "It's probably the greatest consolation prize you can possibly have."
Well, he was half right.
Julius Randle, the No. 1 power forward in the nation, committed to The Kentucky Wildcats on Wednesday, ending speculation and disappointing many at Kansas, Florida, and Texas. Randle is ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit in the class of 2013, according to ESPN.
"I loved all the schools. I loved all the coaches and everything, but the final straw came for me was the system," Randle said. "I felt like the system at Kentucky is a great system. They have a lot of great players there."
Randle joins an already loaded team that failed to play up to it's pedigree this season, but is expected to be formidable going forward as it's nearly overflowing with blue chip players.
Welcoming Randle in the fall will be the point guard and shooting guard combo of twins Andrew and Aaron Harrison. Both brothers were ranked number 1, respectively. Also on the team is No. 1 ranked center Dakari Johnson, No. 3 small forward James Young, and No. 9 power forward Marcus Lee.
With so many sought after prospects, comparisons are bound to be made to Michigan's 1991 Fab Five class, but it remains to be seen if the Wildcats will be able to mold them into a cohesive unit...and keep them away from the NBA. The specter of one-and-done players will hang over the team nearly as much as the pressure to win a championship.
You can't mention the future of the NBA without bringing up recent Wildcat alumni such as DeMarcus Cousins, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Anthony Davis, and Brandon Knight.
Randle could be next to join that list. He led his Prestonwood Christian school to a championship while averaging 25.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2 assists. The 6-foot-9 player also shot 39% from 3-point range.