John Calipari ‘Comfortable’ Nerlens Noel Will Be Ruled Eligible

For Kentucky coach John Calipari, the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into the recruitment of freshman Nerlens Noel doesn’t worry him one bit. When asked about the currently unresolved situation—which includes, among other things, Noel not yet being cleared to play and the NCAA examining how Noel paid for his unofficial college visits to Louisville, Kentucky and Syracuse—Calipari said these kinds of thorough background checks are normal and expected. Via the USA Today: “‘We feel comfortable,’ Calipari said. ‘It’s a review that those kinds of players go through. When you reclassify, you’re going to have reviews. When you reclassify and some people are mad you reclassified, there are going to be some reviews. That’s how it is. We’re comfortable that he’s done everything he was supposed to do.’ There were questions about Noel’s academic standing after he reclassified during recruitment to move up a year. Noel was cleared academically by the NCAA and started classes in late August. Then there was an SI.com report that the NCAA was expanding its inquiry into Noel’s amateur status. Noel was unable to answer any questions regarding the NCAA, but Calipari seemed optimistic Thursday when asked about the uncertainty surrounding Noel and the possibility of him playing this season.”