Give him time and they will come.

When John Calipari spoke to reporters at his introductory news conference as Kentucky’s head coach two and a half years ago, he acknowledged that he was brought to the Commonwealth because he can recruit the best of the best.

The nation was reminded of that Thursday.

Coach Cal and Kentucky officially announced the signings of three highly touted recruits at the completion of the fall signing period. Archie Goodwin (Little Rock, Ark.), Alex Poythress (Clarksville, Tenn.) and Willie Cauley (Olathe, Kan.) have signed national letters of intent to play basketball at Kentucky. UK officially confirmed the signings Thursday. The trio will be eligible to play with the Wildcats beginning in the 2012-13 season.

“I think all three have the potential to do special things here,” Calipari said.

The three-man signing class marks yet another remarkable recruiting haul by Calipari and his coaching staff. As some people wondered if he had lost his touch, Coach Cal, John Robic, Orlando Antigua and Kenny Payne patiently went about their business and waited for the right kids. Goodwin, Poythress and Cauley are ranked 12th 19th and 39th, respectively, in Rivals’ national rankings.

Calipari could notch the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class for a fourth straight year if he is able to sign one or two more in the spring signing period. Kentucky’s class is currently ranked No. 2 by most major recruiting services.

Check below for a recap of each player, including a bio blast, quote from Cal and video highlights.

Archie Goodwin

6-foot-4, 181-pound shooting guard from Little Rock, Ark.
Ranked No. 12 overall by Rivals and No. 13 by ESPN and Scout
No. 2 shooting guard, according to Rivals
Averaged 28.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a junior at Sylvan Hills High School
Led his team to a 25-4 record and a trip to the Class 5A state championship
Named Gatorade Player of the Year in Arkansas as a junior
Two-time All-State selection

Why Goodwin chose the Cats

I love my state, but it’s a business decision and this is best for my career and my family” (source: Dave Telep, ESPN)

I think Kentucky did (appeal the most). Coach Cal already told me that it’s not going to be easy. I don’t want anyone to give me anything. I’ve worked for stuff my whole life. I’m going to compete and that’s going to make me and my teammates better. I want to go work every day. From a competitive standpoint, it’s the best decision for me.” (source: Dave Telep, ESPN)

Cal says …

“Archie is a combo guard who can really score the ball. I love his athleticism and length. He plays kind of like Tyreke Evans but can shoot it more consistent at this stage in his career than Tyreke could.”

Stories about Goodwin

Archie Goodwin commits to Kentucky (Jeff Borzello, CBS)

What they’re saying about Goodwin

No one in the 2012 class matches Goodwin for attacking the basket with authority. A superb athlete with a powerful build, Goodwin finishes plays at the rim with graceful body control and with amazing ease. Although unrefined, he has the complete skill package for a wing scorer and the physical essentials of an NBA-level prospect.” – Jerry Meyer, Rivals

Archie is a great fit for what Calipari is trying to do. He’s at his best when he’s in attack mode and he knows how to get to the rim and finish once he’s there. He won’t have any issues getting used to the dribble drive offense.” – Evan Daniels, Scout

Video highlights

Alex Poythress

6-foot-7, 215-pound forward from Clarksville, Tenn.
Ranked No. 16 overall by Scout, No. 17 by ESPN and No. 19 by Rivals
Regarded as a top-five power forward
Averaged 22.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 1.4 steals and 1.2 assists as a junior at Northeast High School
Boasts a 3.95 grade-point average

Why Poythress chose the Cats

I feel I can get better at Kentucky going against the best players every day in practice, getting better every day, working out, working out every morning, working out every night. I feel I can get better there. (source: Steve Jones, Cats Illustrated)

It’s good because I already know some of the people that are already there. I’m friends with Archie, and I know Willie a little bit. Ultimately it was my decision. I was trying to find the best school for me and make my decision.” (source: Jody Demling, Courier-Journal)

Cal says …

“When Alex is at his best, because of his size and athleticism, he’s as good as anybody in the country. He is really athletic, and when he’s got his motor running, he can score at will.”

Stories about Poythress

Poythress discusses UK commitment (Steve Jones, Cats Illustrated)
Calipari the closer: Reels in Poythress as class climbs the charts (Eric Crawford, Courier-Journal)
Versatile Poythress fits well at Kentucky (Reggie Rankin, ESPN)

What they’re saying about Poythress

Poythress will excel in the Wildcats’ fast break because he runs the floor like a gazelle and will bring Rupp Arena to its feet with his flashy, above-the-rim finishes. He is also a terrific rebounder, in and out of his area, because of his length, athletic ability and quickness to the ball. If not aggressively boxed out, he is always a threat for a tip dunk. - Reggie Rankin, ESPN

He fits what Calipari wants to do. What stands out about Cauley is his mobility, athleticism and ability to block shots. He has a good set of hands, nice touch and is a long-term potential guy” - Evan Daniels, Scout

I would say he’s a very, very high-level run-and-jump athlete. And he’s also very fluid from side to side. He can get from one end of the floor to the other better (than most big men).” - Eric Bossi, Rivals

Video highlights

Willie Cauley

7-foot, 225-pound center out of Olathe, Kan.
Ranked No. 28 overall by Scout, No. 32 by ESPN and No. 39 by Rivals
Regarded as a top-10 center
Averaged 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds as a junior at Olathe Northwest High School
Plays wide receiver for his high school, where he’s caught 57 passes for 1,140 yards and 14 touchdowns through nine games
First 7-footer Cal has signed at UK

Why Cauley chose the Cats

I want to play for (a) championship. It was the right place for me.” (source: Jody Demling, Courier-Journal)

I just felt like the coaches at Kentucky were being real all the time. They were not trying to BS me, they were really telling me the truth and the way it is at Kentucky.” (source: Jody Demling, Courier-Journal)

He’s putting guys in the pros and that’s a big thing we look at. Plus, you don’t have to worry because you know you are going to the tournament every year. I want to be on a championship team and I don’t necessarily want to have to be there four years to get where I want to be, so it was the place for me. I’m excited.” (source: Jody Demling, Courier-Journal)

Stories about Cauley

Willie Cauley discovers it’s OK to stand out (Mitch Sherman, ESPN)
Willie Cauley talks about signing with Kentucky (Jody Demling, Courier-Journal

What they’re saying about Cauley

How good he will be versus how good he will be right now is exactly the right way to put it. He is still learning and finding his way. He has size, athletic ability, bounce, shot-blocking ability. He can help immediately.” - Paul Biancard, ESPNU

Articles

Cal, Kentucky sign another highly touted class