Most of the Shabazz Muhammad news that's fit to print in recent weeks has been pro-UCLA. First, a Scout.com report ($) indicated that Muhammad, along with fellow Kentucky target Tony Parker, was leaning towards the Bruins. Then, a FOX Sports West story quoted Muhammad as saying:
"Losing is a bad thing to do, but UCLA is a good program. I like Ben Howland and Coach (Phil) Mathews but they're still there and I'm still looking at them really hard."
Even with all the rumors swirling, Kentucky head coach John Calipari isn't giving up. Coach Cal swung by Las Vegas recently to watch Muhammad (who plays for Bishop Gorman), along with Anthony Bennett (who plays for nearby Findlay Prep). After Calipari's visit, Nation of Blue's Garrett Tucker caught up with Muhammad's father, Ron Holmes, to ask about the rumors. Holmes refuted the notion that Muhammad has already decided to sign with UCLA.
"Well, apparently they haven't talked to Shabazz or myself about it yet. We haven't hinted at a leader or anything like that. And we are not leaning anywhere. A month ago, UNLV led; the month before that, Kentucky led; then, before that, UCLA was the leader, if you go by what people say. We haven't said anything about leaders."
Holmes also mentioned that Muhammad is still planning on taking visits to Duke (scheduled for March 3), Arizona, and Kansas. Muhammad officially visited Kentucky for Big Blue Madness in October, and has taken enough unofficial visits to nearby programs UNLV and UCLA that he doesn't feel the need to take an official.
The latest scuttlebutt comes from The Cats Pause ($), where Chris Fisher talks about...shoes? Yes, shoes.
Word is that adidas is looking to place Muhammad on its Mount Rushmore of athletes that already includes the likes of Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith and the aging Tim Duncan, with a shoe deal to put in his back pocket until his college days are through.
Can Kentucky, a Nike school, compete with a pair of pumped up kicks? Fisher doesn't expressly state that Adidas would be the reason for Muhammad to choose UCLA--merely a reason. UCLA coach Ben Howland has been much maligned for his recent failures at the collegiate level, but he does have a track record of producing successful pros, with Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook being the most notable one-and-done examples.
Muhammad is a good enough basketball player that he's likely to succeed no matter which school he plays for, whether it be a thriving blue blood program like Kentucky or Duke or a bleeding program like UCLA. But even if Howland lands Muhammad, Bruins Nation is rightfully asking what the future holds for a "deeply dysfunctional and sick basketball program under a basketball coach who has lost his touch and is too stubborn to realize it."
For now, though, it's still not a guarantee that Muhammad even chooses Westwood. Kentucky is still very much in the race, and expect Calipari to keep recruiting until the ink is dry on Muhammad's Letter of Intent.
2 recs | 42 comments
Rec'd for Korn reference
btcoop71 - February 13, 2012
?
.
TeamWeaver - February 13, 2012
The song probably isn't appropriate to post here.
Korn is a band.
btcoop71 - February 14, 2012
It seems so simple to me, from a fan perspective,
Coach Cal has said that his approach is not for everybody. They have to leave me and I at the door for we and us. If Shabazz is not sold completely on this concept, he needs to go elsewhere.
kywineman - February 13, 2012
Hold on
I don’t have the $ for the full article, but if adidas is already saying it wants to give Shabazz a shoe deal (which presumably would require him to choose an adidas school) then how is this not an NCAA violation?
JLeverenz - February 13, 2012
Agreed
btcoop71 - February 13, 2012
It obviously would be.
Now, prove it!
TeamWeaver - February 13, 2012
The thing is
why does he need to go to an Adidas school for Adidas to give him a shoe deal after he graduates? Doesn’t add up to much if you ask me.
kcgard2 - February 13, 2012
It’s not an NCAA violation because UCLA is and always has been a “sacred cow.” They got away with plenty when the Wizard was there.
Kentucky is the only school that is constantly being observed under the NCAA microscope. And I’m not paranoid. As sergeant Friday would say, “Just the facts ma’am, just the facts.”
bigboyblue - February 13, 2012
I have never had a good feeling that Shabazz will end up at UK....
SevenRings - February 13, 2012
Who Care's I Like Muhammad & Parker But We Could Be Just As Good Without ........
PG: Marques Teague Or Ryan Harrow
SG: Archie Goodwin
SF: Alex Poythress
PF: Anthony Bennett
C: Noel Nerlens
1B: Kyle Wiltjer
2B: Willie Cauley
3B: Twany Beckham
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 13, 2012
Dont forget we get JHood back also......and at this rate, I am guessing that Teague is playing himself right into the lottery.....
Greg Alan Edwards - February 13, 2012
Yeah I Think So Too
I See Teague Leaving Especially In A Weak Year For Pure Point Guards , But We Thought Terrance Jones Was Gone Too . If We Cut Down The Nets In April Then He Is Most Definley Gone .
As Far As Hood Yeah You Can Add Him As The 4B .
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 13, 2012
I think a lot also depends on a player's 'state of mind.'
Teague really, Really, REALLY wants to go to the League as a one-n-done – 5th in the line of Calipari point guards, Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall, Brandon Knight and, now Marquis Teague. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but as a result, I believe he’d be much more willing to take a bigger chance on not being a 1st-round pick.
TeamWeaver - February 13, 2012
He Will Be A 1st Rd Pick ...
He Will Go In The Top 15 .
I Also Dont Like When You Guys And Others Name Cal’s Guards In Dont Name Eric Bledsoe , He Deserves The Same Respect & Honor As Does Guys .
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 13, 2012
I dont think anyone does it consciously.....
No one can take anything away from Eric. He was a major talent at UK. And by his being a “combo” guard, he kind of gets forgotten in the midst of people thinking about “Point Guard U”. But make no mistake, eric bledsoe is a big time talent, and had John Wall not come to UK, would have been in his place. As it was, they got to play side by side, which I think is what elevated his draft status as well.
Greg Alan Edwards - February 13, 2012
Someone call Cal and ask him if he really wants him, then we will know if he's coming.....lol
Greg Alan Edwards - February 13, 2012
Don't ever count out Cal as a recruiter until the ink is dry
I’d love to get Shabazz, but I’m more interested in getting Nerlens Noel at this point.
chicagoblues - February 13, 2012
I Agree
Id Rather Get Noel Nerlens .
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 13, 2012
Cats Unanimous #1 — Again
ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll — Blue Devils and Jayhawks move up big.
Wild Weasel - February 13, 2012
There’s a lot of unsigned players still out there. Those Cal is after may be waiting to see who stays and who leaves.
Personally I really enjoy watching all of these youngsters come in here and play BB like Cal’s recruits have done.
The group we have now is extremely entertaining to watch. These guys are a BB wonder and delight.
bigboyblue - February 13, 2012
Teague SEC FOW
Marcus Teague becomes 3rd Cat to earn SEC freshman honors; now if we can get performance from Wiltjer the whole recruiting class would be recognized. UGA’s Gerald Robinson POW.
Wild Weasel - February 13, 2012
WW
Right on! Sounds like a winner.
bigboyblue - February 13, 2012
Bracetology
Lunardi’s latest has UK, ‘Cuse, KU, MU as #1’s. Cats in South with OSU and Racers.
Wild Weasel - February 13, 2012
There will be no end
to the curses and hexes I will pronounce on the Selection Committee if they put the Cats and Racers in the same bracket.
Acdixon - February 13, 2012
Acdixon
Me too. But it wouldn’t surprise me. Remember Morehead was in the same bracket with U of L.
bigboyblue - February 13, 2012
oh, they will
I’m counting on it.
blue kentucky girl - February 13, 2012 via Android app
Wow Wild Weasel ..........
You See Our Bracket Thats Tough For The Number One Overall Seed :
Memphis
Connecticut
Gonzaga
Texas
Florida State
Marquette
Murray State
Wisconsin
Ohio State
RIP SEAN TAYLOR 21 - February 13, 2012
Lunardi has Syracuse the No.1 overall seed, then Kentucky.
The Selection Committee uses the S-curve for seeding and no way is Ohio St. the second worst 2-seed. Lunardi is just throwing crap at his brackett to steal a paycheck. smh.
TeamWeaver - February 13, 2012
This is not a bad bracket for us......Matter of fact, it is a good one.
Louisville, Nashville, Atlanta on the sites…..UK’s backyard…… a very good draw if you ask me.
Greg Alan Edwards - February 13, 2012
besides....if we want all this nonsense to be overwith, and get this monkey off Cal's back, then I don't care who we play to win it all
We have to win all the games, so come one come all……
Greg Alan Edwards - February 13, 2012
Catlanta ... that would be great
ukcris - February 13, 2012
Only the winner of the Big-12 will get a one-seed, not both Kansas AND Missouri.
I don’t see the Selection Committee giving BOTH the Jayhawks and Mizzou a one-seed, under any circumstances. So, mark your calendars, the Saturday, Feb. 25th game between Kansas and Missouri is for the Big-12 regular season championship and the only No.1 seed the Big-12 gets. The Big-10 champion, MSU or Ohio St., gets the other No.1 seed, imo.
TeamWeaver - February 13, 2012
Exactly....not going to happen.....
But what would really suck is if they sent Mizzou or Kansas (the leftover team in the Big 12) down South with us behind OSU….And I know everyone is thinking it will not happen, but what about our #3 Seed a couple years ago?
Greg Alan Edwards - February 13, 2012
TW
I agree. Also that honor is reserved for the Big Least. LOL
bigboyblue - February 13, 2012
bigboyblue, not sure I follow you...?
TeamWeaver - February 13, 2012
Mountain West and Conference USA merger is happening......
The USA West conference???
The world of the superconferences is now upon us.
Greg Alan Edwards - February 13, 2012
timing is everything
If UCLA were truly the place Shabazz wanted to go, I believe he would have given his verbal in the fall signing period…my guess is that he is willing to wait to see who UK loses after this year is completed…which is also the reason I believe Nerlens Noel decided to reclassify (thinking, as the rest of the country does, that ADavis will be leaving to become UK’s 2nd #1 overall NBA pick in 3 years)…I believe that Shabazz knows which program will best fit his game and his desire to be pushed into becoming a better all-around player…and that program is UK and not UCLA…I firmly believe that he, Noel, and Bennett all come to UK (as UK figures on losing 7 players to draft/graduation) in an attempt to win (which is also high on Shabazz’ list of priorities in selecting where to matriculate) the national title…I give the advantage to Calipari over Howland in the recruiting department as well…as well as fan base, facilities, winning percentage, and every other measurable intangible that squarely lands UK ahead of any other suitor for his services…go UK
fincity - February 14, 2012
If any of the one and done's
really want a shot at a national championship in the one year they play college ball, UK will top their list if they see enough playing time available and are willing to play within Cal’s team first system.
kywineman - February 14, 2012
We dream our dreamy little dreams.
“Shabazz Muhammad is the best recruit in the 2012 class, and there’s a good chance he will be playing for Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils next season.” – Josh Schoch, Bleacher Report (Dec. 19, 2011). Guess which college basketball team Josh says is his favorite? Favorite coach? Right on both counts.
Best line: “Shabazz had good things to say about UCLA, Kentucky and Duke earlier during his recruitment, but liked that Duke could help him improve his defense which is a weakness for him. This sets Duke apart from Kentucky.” Isn’t that just precious?
A Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) alum and UNLV fan writes for College Sports Univeristy (Jan. 15, 2012): “Shabazz Muhammad: Not choosing UNLV would be a mistake.” And on, and on, and on. Each fanbase has its reasons. Remarkably, the tea leaves always confirm what they want to believe. Masturbatory nonsense.
Shabazz just told ESPNU he’s not that close at all to a decision: "I really haven’t been looking at it. Just been working on this season for high school, but when I get down to it it’s going to be really stressful for me. But I’m just going to talk to my family and talk it over with them."
Wheatgerm - February 14, 2012
Any fool that thinks the Duke defense this year
is better than UK’s D is under the influence of powerful mind altering substances.
I think the reason for Shabazz’ procrastinating on college choice is probably waiting to see what happens with UK. If the players he would have to fight for minutes against move on, then there are many compelling reasons for him to choose the Wildcats.
kywineman - February 14, 2012
You're correct - Jones stayed this year to my disbelief and maybe he's thinking the same thing could occurr with MKG
KansasUKCat - February 14, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of A Sea Of Blue to post a comment.