The UCLA Bruins (particularly UCLA) and USC Trojans are both potential candidates to land the best recruit of the 2012 class, but Shabazz Muhammad is in no hurry to come to a decision on where he's spending his time in college.
Muhammad revealed that he won't be signing today like many other college basketball recruits. Makes sense for Muhammad to take his time and weigh his options. He is the top recruit and he should want to survey which situation would be most optimal for him to showcase his talents.
However, he may have let off a huge clue as to where he's leaning right now. Muhammad talked to Mitch Sherman of ESPN Recruiting Nation about his potential decision.
Muhammad said he took official visits to Texas A&M in September and Kentucky in October. He spoke highly of both programs, in particular the Wildcats, whose Big Blue Madness impressed him. Of the coaches he's met, UK's John Calipari stands out, Muhammad said.
"I think it's probably because it was my last official visit," he said, "but Coach Cal's personality is great. He pushes his players in practice. That's the thing I'm looking for. I'm trying to get better and get to the next level."
Sounds like a good sign that Calipari is sticking out, and a bad sign for UCLA basketball head coach Ben Howland. It is really difficult to compete with the best college basketball recruiter in the country, but UCLA should have a pretty solid system where a guy like Muhammad should thrive.
This looks like a battle that could go on for quite some time, but all signs looking good for Kentucky right now. UCLA might have some catching up to do.
For more on college basketball recruiting, turn to A Sea Of Blue (Kentucky), Bruins Nation (UCLA) and Conquest Chronicles (USC) for more news updates.