John Wall, Xavier Henry Impressive at Nike Hoop Summit

Kentucky fans have plenty of reason to be excited about the possibility of Xavier Henry and/or John Wall playing for the Wildcats next season. Both players were very impressive at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon last night, even with the USA junior national select team losing to the World team 97-89. During interviews, both players also named Kentucky on their final lists of potential destinations.

The World team was led by Milan Macvan of Serbia, who scored 23 points. Lithuania's Donatas Motiejunas added 21 points. Croatia's Tomislav Zubcic contributed a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. It was the first victory for the World team since 1998, when NBA superstar Dirk Nowitski exploded for 33 points. The key for the World team was a 48-29 rebounding advantage.

Henry led the U.S. team with 22 points, including six 3-pointers. During an in-game interview, he listed Kentucky, Kansas and Memphis as his possible college destinations. Avery Bradley scored 21 points for the Americans. Wall, who stood out as the most explosive player in the game, had a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists. He also tied an event record with 5 steals. Wall displayed a phenomenal ability to explode with the ball. He dunked several times and even vaulted for an impressive blocked shot. Future Kentucky Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins found himself in early foul trouble, but looked good in limited minutes.

Michael Eaves, of Fox Sports, reports on his blog today that John Calipari was meeting with Wall and Henry around midnight last night at the team hotel. Coaches were not allowed to attend the actual game, but were free to meet players away from the arena. It is clear that Wall and Henry are both big-time prospects and are likely Calipari's two top remaining targets for 2009.

Nike Hoop Summit

My Thoughts: John Wall is the type of player that can come into to a college program and be a difference maker. He is a point guard that can immediately take a team over. If I am Calipari, Wall is the top priority.