[Stardust]

With the NCAA and NBA setting separate deadlines for players to enter and exit this year's professional draft, underclassmen at the University of Kentucky and other schools could be confused. UK Coach John Calipari made it clear that his players will only consider the NBA deadlines, which are April 29 to enter the draft and June 18 to withdraw.

But also clear is the consequence of ignoring the NCAA deadline for exiting the NBA Draft. That deadline came and went at midnight Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.

Hereafter, a player who declares for this year's NBA Draft forfeits any remaining college eligibility. So if Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb and/or Marquis Teague enter the draft later this month, there's no playing again for Kentucky even if one or all should change his mind and exit the draft.

Of course, any or all can return and play for UK next season provided they don't enter this year's NBA Draft.

"The NBA's deadline for student-athletes to enter the draft is April 29," the NCAA notes on its Web site. "However, if underclassmen declare between April 11-29, they will relinquish any remaining college eligibility."

At which, Calipari has shrugged.

Earlier this spring, Calipari said he would recommend the NBA's April 29 deadline for entering the draft as the sole timetable his players should consider.

"That's the only one we're going to worry about," Calipari said prior to the Final Four. "I don't even know the other (NCAA) date. Nor do I care."

The early NCAA deadline was established at the request of college coaches who wanted a more clear picture sooner of which players would be returning or leaving.

UK did not expect any announcement by a player about the draft on Tuesday.

"We have not even talked about it yet," Davis' father, also named Anthony, said Tuesday.

No decision seemed imminent.

"We just tell him to get his school work finished out," the elder Davis said. "Then we'll sit down and try to figure out what's what."

Teague's father, Shawn, spoke of the player and his parents meeting with Calipari at some point to discuss the future.

"We're just basically operating along the lines with Coach Cal," the elder Teague said, "meeting with him and kind of see what everyone's view is from there."

The high school coach for Davis said Monday that his former player might not be ready to announce his plans before the end of the month.

Cortez Hale, who coached Davis at Chicago's Perspectives Charter school, said Monday that he suggested to Davis, "Why not make it fun and drag it out?

"... He might drag it out until April 29."

Hale said he had not heard if Davis had decided to enter the 2012 NBA Draft, as is widely expected, or return to UK next season.

Davis was tickled by Calipari's tongue-in-cheek suggestion that the big man return next season to be UK's point guard.

"He's really thinking of that one," Hale said with a chuckle.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/10/21462...rylink=cpy

[Stardust]

2012 signees

Willie Cauley-Stein

6-10, 215, forward/center

Olathe, Kan.

Rivals: 39

Scout: 30

ESPN: 40

MaxPreps: 34

Notes: Not projected to be an immediate starter, but could see extended minutes off the bench as a freshman. He's not a typical post player and is comfortable playing away from the basket.

Archie Goodwin

6-5, 180, guard

Little Rock, Ark.

Rivals: 12

Scout: 17

ESPN: 15

MaxPreps: 7

Notes: A lightning-fast guard who picked Kentucky over home-state Arkansas. He'll be expected to come in right away and be one of UK's biggest scoring threats next season.

Alex Poythress

6-7, 215, forward

Clarksville, Tenn.

Rivals: 19

Scout: 15

ESPN: 13

MaxPreps: 12

Notes: A versatile forward who could start from day one in Lexington. Rivals.com senior analyst Jerry Meyer once described him as a "more explosive" Terrence Jones.

2012-13 Transfer

Ryan Harrow

6-1, 160, point guard

Marietta, Ga.

2010 rankings

Rivals: 19

Scout: 25

ESPN: 39

MaxPreps: 23

Notes: Essentially a third-year player after one season at N.C. State and one season of practice under Calipari. He could be one of the country's top point guards as a sophomore.

2012 recruiting targets

Anthony Bennett

6-8, 230, power forward

Brampton, Canada

Rivals: 7

Scout: 7

ESPN: 7

MaxPreps: 11

Notes: A big-bodied post player who can also handle the ball and shoot from outside. His recruitment has been one of the biggest mysteries in the class of 2012.

Amile Jefferson

6-7, 185, small forward

Philadelphia

Rivals: 36

Scout: 22

ESPN: 25

MaxPreps: 16

Another versatile forward who would fit nicely in Calipari's dribble-drive offense. He's a hard worker on the court, and an excellent rebounder and shot blocker.

Shabazz Muhammad

6-6, 215, guard/forward

Las Vegas

Rivals: 1

Scout: 2

ESPN: 2

MaxPreps: 2

Notes: UK's biggest recruiting target for most of the last year. He's the best scorer in his class and brings an intensity similar to that of UK freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Nerlens Noel

6-10, 215, center

Everett, Mass.

Rivals: NR

Scout: 1

ESPN: 1

MaxPreps: 1

The consensus pick as the No. 1 player in the class of 2012. Noel would step right into Anthony Davis' role as the Cats' defensive stopper in the paint.

Alex Oriakhi

6-9, 240, forward/center

Lowell, Mass.

Averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds for UConn last season

Notes: Played a key role during UConn's run to the national title last year. He would give the Cats a veteran presence and more size in the post, both of which will be needed.

2013 commitment

Derek Willis

6-9, 195, power forward

Mt. Washington, Ky.

Rivals: 23

Scout: 30

ESPN: 35

MaxPreps: 30

Notes: UK's lone commitment for the class of 2013. He could become the first future Wildcat from Kentucky to play in the McDonald's All-American Game since Rajon Rondo.

2013 recruiting targets

Aaron Harrison

Shooting guard

6-5, 205

Houston

Rivals: 7

Scout: 6

ESPN: 6

MaxPreps: 5

Notes: One half of perhaps the best backcourt in high school basketball. The twins are considering UK, Maryland, Villanova and Baylor, and the Cats are perceived to be the favorites.

Andrew Harrison

6-5, 210, point guard

Houston

Rivals: 1

Scout: 4

ESPN: 5

MaxPreps: 3

Notes: The higher ranked of the two brothers and the No. 1 point guard in the class of 2013. The Harrisons could start as freshmen for whatever school they choose.

Jabari Parker

6-8, 220, Small forward

Chicago

Rivals: 2

Scout: 1

ESPN: 1

MaxPreps: 1

Notes: Some consider him the best player in all of high school basketball, regardless of class. He could be the latest elite talent out of Chicago to team up with Calipari.

Julius Randle

6-8, 235, forward

Plano, Texas

Rivals: 4

Scout: 3

ESPN: 3

MaxPreps: 4

Notes: Another major target in the class of 2013. A point forward with tremendous size, he's being recruited by just about every major program in the country.

Troy Williams

6-6, 190, Small forward

Hampton, Va.

Rivals: 14

Scout: 8

ESPN: 7

MaxPreps: 17

Notes: The nephew of AAU legend Boo Williams, who has a relationship with Calipari. He is expected to choose either UK or North Carolina in the next few weeks.

National Signing Day Special

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

TV: ESPNU

Online: Follow Ben Roberts on Twitter @NextCats.


Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/10/21462...rylink=cpy