In a state also known for its thoroughbred racing, Kentucky and coach John Calipari finally has a stud in its stable.

Goodwin announced his verbal pledge to Kentucky via Twitter Tuesday night: "If you don't know by now I'm a Wildcat!!!"

After going over a calendar year without a basketball commitment, the Wildcats finally broke the seal on its 2012 class when Little Rock (Ark.) Sylvan Hills guard Archie Goodwin announced his verbal pledge via Twitter Tuesday night.

@A1Laflare10: If you don't know by now I'm a Wildcat!!!

After going back and forth on Twitter regarding a forthcoming decision over the last several weeks, Goodwin unexpectedly eliminated both Kansas and UConn from his list Monday. Then Tuesday night, Goodwin alluded to making a decision Wednesday morning, before choosing UK over Arkansas and Memphis.

It became evident this summer that the 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard was a top target for Calipari and the UK staff, who kept a close eye on Goodwin at Peach Jam this summer, where he averaged 20.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, leading the event in scoring all while playing with a soft splint on his non-shooting hand.

Goodwin then finished the summer in style, scoring 21 points to pace the USA Midwest team to a gold medal win over Canada in the Nike Global Challenge in Portland, Ore. back in August.

At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Goodwin is a fluid slasher and dependable shooter that can score in a lot of different ways. At Peach Jam in July, Goodwin was nearly unstoppable getting to the rim and finishing or creating for teammates.

His ability to score at a high volume has drawn comparisons to Little Rock native, former Arkansas guard and current Atlanta Hawks All-Star Joe Johnson.

Calipari, who has bagged three consecutive top-ranked recruiting classes at UK, is off to a good start in 2012. Goodwin is ranked as the No. 3 shooting guard and No. 13 overall prospect in the class.