When Kentucky Coach John Calipari watches junior-to-be Nerlens Noel play, he apparently sees a resemblance to former UMass star Marcus Camby.
Calipari has mentioned the Camby reference in the early recruitment of Noel, a 6-11 defensive specialist from Everett, Mass.
“It means a lot,” said Noel, who was a pre-schooler when Camby led UMass to the 1996 Final Four. “He’s a great defensive player. I’m honored to be compared to him.”
Noel, whom NBAdraft.net compares to former Alabama standout Antonio McDyess, is known as a defensive player. It’s a label he gladly accepts.
“I know defense is one thing people will sleep on,” he said at the LeBron James Skills Academy this week. “But defense wins championships.”
Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald- Leader has covered Kentucky basketball since the 1981-82 season. That time includes five coaches, five Final Fours, four athletic directors, two interim athletic directors and many memories. Before coming to Lexington, Tipton worked eight years for the Huntington (W.Va.) Herald-Dispatch. He covered Marshall’s basketball team for two seasons before coming to the Herald-Leader.
