[StrikeoutKing]

I think it's safe to say one of the reasons Smith wasn't getting the job done in the Bluegrass is his inability to recruit some of the nation's best. I compiled a list of UK's coaching candidates and a look at their 2007 recruiting class. (While looking at the list, take notice of the state the players are from in reference to school who recruited them. These coaches recruit players "close to home," and I believe it is safe to say, they've succeeded in doing so.) Listed is the player's rank, name, position, home state/province, and star rank (all according to Rivals.com). These recruits are all ranked in Rival.com's Top 150.

Tom Izzo - Michigan State University
31 - Chris Allen - Guard - Georgia ****
36 - Kalin Lucas - Guard - Michigan ****
54 - Durrell Summers - Forward - Michigan ****

Mark Few - Gonzaga University
25 - Austin Daye - Forward - California *****
56 - Steven Gray - Guard - Washington ****
94 - Robert Sacre - Center - British Columbia ****

Billy Donovan - University of Florida
13 - Nick Calathes - Guard - Florida *****
21 - Chandler Parsons - Forward - Florida *****
47 - Alex Tyus - Forward - Ohio ****
68 - Adam Allen - Forward - Florida ****

Billy Gillispie - Texas A&M University
8 - DeAndre Jordan - Center - Texas *****
143 - Nathan Walkup - Forward - Texas ***

Tom Crean - Marquette University
146 - Trevor Mbakwe - Forward - Minnesota ***

Jay Wright - Villanova University
37 - Corey Stokes - Forward - New Jersey ****
61 - Corey Fisher - Guard - New York ****
147 - Malcolm Grant - Guard - New York ***

Rick Barnes - University of Texas
48 - Gary Johnson - Forward - Texas ****
67 - Clint Chapman - Forward - Oregon ****
80 - Alexis Wangmene - Forward - Texas ****

University of Kentucky
138 - A.J. Stewart - Forward - Florida ***

If these high-profile coaches can recruit like this at their respected schools, just think of how they would be able to recruit at Kentucky!!!