Friday, April 13th, 2012 at 1:06 pm  |  9 responses

Nerlens Noel Jordan Brand Classic Diary

The UK bound big man gets ready for the JBC.

While he spends the next few days preparing for the Jordan Brand Classic, Nerlens Noel shares his experience with SLAMonline! Check daily to read up on his preparation leading to the April 14 tipoff. For more on the game, including how to buy tickets, rosters and alumni, visit the game’s official website, JordanBrandClassic.com.

As told to Peter Walsh

As everyone knows by now, I will be attending the University of Kentucky for college and I couldn’t be more excited to get out to Lexington and join the team. I chose Kentucky because I felt most comfortable with the coaching staff and on campus, everything about the school felt right and I’m happy with my choice. The reception I got when I made my decision was amazing. The fans down there are so passionate and they are already behind me 100 percent so I definitely feel like I made the right decision. When I was down in New Orleans for the Final Four, the love I was getting from Kentucky fans was incredible. I couldn’t even walk down the streets without fans coming up to me, so I already know they got my back.

Making my announcement on ESPN was crazy and I was nervous when all the lights went on and the camera was on me. But after I got the news out, I just felt relieved; now I can just focus on finishing the school year strong and working on my game.

Coach Cal is a great coach and I hope to learn a lot from him while I’m at Kentucky. He’s coached a lot of great players so I trust him to bring out the best in my game. I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans at Kentucky and being a part of the program. I know that I have a lot to work on in the offseason before I get to school and that the college game is much different than high school, but I’m ready to work hard over the summer so I come in ready. My game fits well with coach Cal’s current style of play and I’ll be able to get out and run the floor and get transition buckets.

A lot of people compare my game to Anthony Davis’ and think that I can have a similar impact. Obviously, that’s a compliment for me, but at the end of the day, he’s his own player and I’m my own player and I’m looking to come in and make my own name at Kentucky. Hopefully I’ll get a ring just like him, though!

I’ve been down in Charlotte for a few days now and it’s been great to see everyone again. We went to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and saw how all the cars are made and the history of NASCAR and that was really cool. Other than that, we’ve been hanging out and having fun, playing a lot of NBA2K and joking around. Now we’re all ready to get out there and play for the last time and end our high school careers on a great note.

Be sure to catch the Jordan Brand Classic this weekend and check for me down in Kentucky next season!

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  • Nartok

    Hi Nerlens

    Just a short note .. shout out to you.. to let you know that BBN is ecstatic with your decision and to let you know that there will be thousands here in Lexington to cheer you on to stardom. We shall also pray that you find a new home here, like so many other quality people who have been recruited by Coach Cal, and that happiness remains a large part of your experience at UK… We ARE UK !!!

  • bmt

    Welcome to BBN, Nerlins! We’re very excited to have you and already looking forward to Big Blue Madness! A year from now, I hope you’re wearing that ring, too!

  • Rupp’s Runt

    Nerlens: Welcome to the BBN!! Your life is about to change drastically. Before your committment to UK, we knew about you, but we never get too excited until a player actually commits or signs. Now that you have done that, prepare yourself for a MAJOR life change. Everywhere you go from Wildcat Lodge, to the Joe Craft Center, to Tolly Ho’s, to Rupp Arena, to the Fayette Mall, etc people will be all over you, asking for pics and autographs. Welcome to stardom young man, enjoy the ride!!! GO BIG BLUE!!

  • UKFan

    Hey Nerlens I love your funky hairdo but how do you plan to wear the championship cap with all that hair? May want to have one tailor-made. First the eyebrow and now your hair. We need a nick name for you so help us come up with one. Welcome to BBN!!!!!

  • jim chisholm

    Welcome to bbn from Knoxville Tenn. I have followed ucats since I was four (1944). My blood is thinner now but still blue. You will have my support and prayers for lifetime success. Thanks for bringing your skills to ky. I think you have made an excellent decision. Go BigBlue. GO NERLINS NOEL. From Jim living in enemy territory.

  • http://slamonline.com The Black Rick Kamla

    where did you guys even come from…lol

  • http://www.slamonline.com spit hot fiyah

    ^ha

  • http://slam TAT21

    N-E-R-L-E-N-S, amazes me how the name can be in the article numerous times and the headline and people still misspell his name. Show some respect or at least some attentiveness. Come on, Nerlens, we can’t wait to get #9!

  • http://kentucky.com idontflinch

    ^^Big Blue Nation is where we come from. I know, it is kinda hard to believe we have time to post comments because you would think we would be too busy polishing that new NCAA National Championship trophy.

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