Shabazz Muhammad is the coveted top recruit in the 2012 basketball class, and for a long time the UCLA Bruins were considered one of the frontrunners to land him. But it's starting to look as if the Bishop Gorman star might be looking elsewhere.
Paul Biancardi is ESPN's director of basketball recruiting, and he had this to say regarding Shabazz.
Heavy favorite "@d_collins2012: @PaulBiancardi do you think Kentucky could get Shabazz and Noel?"
— Paul Biancardi (@PaulBiancardi) February 19, 2012
Indeed, it seems as if the Kentucky Wildcats have been relentlessly pursuing Muhammad, and they've made a very persuasive case to the 6'6" small forward. Muhammad is the perfect type of player to fit inside John Calipari's dribble-drive offense, and he could definitely excel given a year or two playing in it to hone his NBA game.
UCLA probably has only themselves to blame, as their team seems destined for a disappointing NIT showing. The lack of success on the court might be hampering their recruitment of Shabazz, along with the growing uncertainty as to whether Ben Howland will still be the coach next year. Muhammad has always liked UCLA though, so there is hope he might end up reconsidering Westwood when all is said and done.
To discuss the recruitment of Shabazz with Kentucky fans, check out A Sea of Blue. To talk about Shabazz with UCLA fans, hit up Bruins Nation.