LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - UK big man Nerlens Noel is getting better and coach John Calipari is taking notice. Kentucky whipped Transylvania Tuesday night in its final exhibition game 74-28, and will open the season against Maryland Friday.

Noel missed only one shot against Transy finishing with 15 points and 4 rebounds. He blocked only one shot but Cal says he wants Noel to be a basketball player first. "I dont' want him to be a shot blocker. I want him to be a basketball player who happens to block shots. Did you kind of see that today? Your'e seeing a basketball player who happens to be able to, and we're defining his post game. And Kenny Payne before practice has just told me how hard this kid is working."

Noel had a lot of ground to make up because he missed summer workouts as he completed two high school courses. Things are now coming together for the No. 1 recruit in the country. " In my mind it's definitley my confidence, just knowing I can go to that hook or just really, just be able to score on that block. It's just repition of the drills and just staying focused."