Harrison twins show Lexington luster stronger than ever

Despite a slow start to 2013, John Calipari has shown he can still pick and choose elite prospects. (US Presswire)

The Kentucky luster is stronger than ever.

Maryland had essentially everything going for it when it came to Andrew and Aaron Harrison. There was the six-year relationship head coach Mark Turgeon had with the family. There was the friendship Aaron Harrison Sr. had with assistant coach Bino Ranson, and the friendship the twins have with incoming Maryland freshman Shaq Cleare. The twins' grandparents live in Baltimore. And of course, Under Armour.

Kentucky had John Calipari. And Calipari doesn't lose. In the end, that's all the Wildcats needed.

The twins pledged to Kentucky on Thursday afternoon, choosing the Wildcats over Maryland. It could jumpstart yet another No. 1 class for Calipari.

Andrew, a 6-foot-5 point guard, is the No. 2-ranked player in the class, while Aaron, a 6-5 shooting guard, is slotted at No. 4. Andrew is arguably the best playmaker in the country, with the ability to get by any defender and score at the rim. Given his size and passing ability, he's essentially impossible to defend. On the other hand, Aaron is more of a pure scorer. He has very good shooting range on his outside jumper but is also adept at creating separation in the mid-range to score. During the spring and summer, he also improved his ballhandling and facilitating skills.

The Harrison twins immediately give Kentucky the No. 1 recruiting class in the country for 2013, but they also will comprise the best backcourt in the country heading into next fall. Simply put, the Harrisons are the best at their positions at the high school level – and that doesn't look like it will change next season.

It looks like a national championship has only boosted the luster in Lexington.