Jan 15, 2012; Springfield, MA, USA; Tilton Rams center Nerlens Noel during the first half of a game against the Brewster Bobcats at Blake Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

The recruitment of University of Kentucky center Nerlens Noel is under investigation, according to SI.com.  He’s projected to go fourth in the NBA Draft according to Nbadraft.net, so the implications for Noel’s career are far reaching.

He’ll be drafted high either way but if he is ruled ineligible it could prevent him from having a shot at going first overall.  Many will recall that Jazz center Enes Kanter faced similar problems while at Kentucky but still went 3rd overall to the Utah Jazz in 2011, so a hit that would rule him ineligible to play in the NCAA wouldn’t likely be a career crippling blow.  Teams would instead rely heavily upon workouts and the like, for Noel to prove his worth as a pro prospect.

The investigation revolves around some unofficial visits to see Noel at his New Hampshire prep school.

Noel is supposed to fill the void of the departed Anthony Davis, who was selected first overall in the 2012 NBA Draft.  Noel said he has been academically cleared to play, but this investigation has nothing to do with academics, and Noel did not return a call to Sports Illustrated regarding the matter.