The House of Blue

I've been on the record here as saying Nerlens Noel is the best shot-blocker I've ever seen at his stage. Many find that hard to believe after watching what Anthony Davis did this season, but I'm talking about as a high school senior. Noel is in a class by himself -- a once-in-a-generation type defensive player. The only guy I've ever covered who doesn't make me embarrassed to utter a Bill Russell comparison.

Will that carry over to college?

Here are some of the keys IMO to Noel having a shot to break AD's school record of 186 blocks this season:

* Stay healthy. Like AD, a lean guy. Gotta avoid awkward falls and twists.

* Stay out of foul trouble. Huge key with AD's success. Noel has shown same ability at HS/AAU level, but it's a whole different ballgame in college. I have also noticed that Noel has a tendency to go for the "highlight reel" rejection more often than Davis, who would simply deflect it and grab the rebound on many occasions. That style helps you stay out of foul trouble more than the "power rejection."

* Team success. Play 40 games. Not a given by any stretch. If the Cats make another Final Four run, the opportunity will be there.

* Pick up some blocks away from the basket. People didn't challenge AD regularly around the rim, so he picked up a good number of his rejections out on the floor and in help defense. That's a big question I have with Noel right now. There's no doubt in my mind he's the best post shot-blocker I've ever seen. Guys simply don't score on him -- ever -- in the lane. But can he get out and guard on the perimeter like AD did? Davis had that huge advantage in being a 6-2 guard a couple of years ago, so he had excellent footwork. I'll be interested to see if Noel can do that, too.