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Shabazz Muhammad: Odds on Top 10 Schools Landing Nation's Top Recruit for 2012

By (Correspondent) on September 6, 2011

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02:  Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts from the sidelines against the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Just a lanky 6'6", 215-pound small forward, Shabazz Muhammad finds himself garnering attention from numerous schools heading into 2012.

The nation's top 2012 recruit, Muhammad will have some difficult decisions to make regarding his future and you can be sure none of these programs will make it easy to turn them away.

But, what are the realistic odds on each school landing 2012's most coveted prize?

UNLV : 1000 to 1

TULSA, OK - MARCH 18:  The UNLV Rebels mascot performs during the second round game against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Image
Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Despite hailing from Las Vegas, it doesn't seem Muhammad will be remaining home to play for the Runnin' Rebels.

That is, unless Jerry Tarkanian decides to come back and give recruits his "gift" of coaching.

Odds: 1000 to 1

Texas A&M : 800 to 1

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 18:  Khris Middleton #22 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates with teammate Naji Hibbert #23 after making a three-pointer at the buzzer in the first half of the game against the Florida State Seminoles during the second round of the 2011
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Aggies are a mainstay in the NCAA Tournament, but unfortunately don't provide enough upside for Muhammad to make the leap to College Station.

Odds: 800 to 1

Texas : 500 to 1

TULSA, OK - MARCH 20:  Head coach Rick Barnes of the Texas Longhorns looks on from the sidelines against the Arizona Wildcats during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  (Photo b
Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Rick Barnes rarely gets outdone on the recruiting trail, but as is the case with Texas A&M, it's difficult imagining Muhammad in the Lone Star State.

Odds: 500 to 1

Memphis : 500 to 1

TULSA, OK - MARCH 18:  Head coach Josh Pastner of the Memphis Tigers yells from the sidelines during the second round game against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  (Phot
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Much like his mentor, John Pastner typically recruits long, athletic small forwards to run his high octane offense at Memphis.

Muhammad would be a perfect fit, but it's difficult to see him wanting to travel to a program that seems to be more on the downswing than the up.

Odds: 500 to 1

Arizona : 300 to 1

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 26:  Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after a dunk against of the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 26, 2011 in Anaheim, Cali
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Arizona is one of the hottest programs in the country after coming of an Elite Eight performance in last year's tourney.

The Wildcats already have a five-star talent in their 2012 class in Brandon Ashley, who could potentially deter Muhammad.

What kind of superstar wants to share the ball with a big man?

Odds: 300 to 1

USC : 200 to 1

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11:  Nikola Vucevic #5 and Marcus Simmons #43 of the USC Trojans react late in the second half while taking on the Arizona Wildcats in the semifinals of the 2011 Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at Staples Center on
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Trojans are a programed steeped in rich history, with resources like great facilities, location, and funding. And did I mention location?

But, for some reason USC always finds itself one of the early departures from the NCAA Tournament.

Muhammad could be that key cog to turn the program back into its gloried past. Then again, this isn't USC football.

Odds: 200 to 1

UCLA : 50 to 1

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 19:  Head coach Ben Howland of the UCLA Bruins and his players look on from the bench in the final minute of the game against the Florida Gators during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum
Chris Chambers/Getty Images

Now we find ourselves with the first realistic contender for Muhammad.

Ben Howland consistently produces for the Bruins program and Muhammad would be an excellent complement to the pieces currently in place.

Did I mention UCLA is located in Los Angeles, as well?

Shabazz will meet with UCLA coaches in a home visit on Sept. 9.

Odds: 50 to 1

Kansas : 25 to 1

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 27:  Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts during the southwest regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams at the Alamodome on March 27, 2011 in San Antonio, Texa
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Kansas gets the last of the in-home visits, coming on Sept. 14.

Whether or not this plays a difference is yet to be seen, but I can assure you Bill Self will be pulling out all the stops to get Shabazz to Lawrence for an official visit.

Chances are he will take a visit, but I don't see him committing to the Jayhawks.

Odds: 25 to 1

Duke : 10 to 1

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24:  Kyle Singler #12, Seth Curry #30, Ryan Kelly #34 and Miles Plumlee #21 of the Duke Blue Devils look on from the bench against the Arizona Wildcats during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at
Harry How/Getty Images

Duke lost a lot from last year's Sweet 16 squad, but they're still Duke.

The Blue Devils will likely be among the favorites to win the ACC Championship and they may need to.

It would certainly be an intriguing option for Shabazz to pursue.

Mike Krzyzewski visits the Muhammad household on Sept. 12.

Odds: 10 to 1

Kentucky : 3 to 1

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02:  Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts from the sidelines against the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Is there a better recruiter in the country than John Calipari?

Calipari seems to have a magic touch when it comes to luring top talent to his programs, especially athletic forwards.

Muhammad has already scheduled his first official visit to Lexington, set for Oct. 14. This comes before Calipari visits him in Las Vegas on Sept. 13.

No, this does not come by accident. This one could be done relatively soon and what a pickup for the Wildcats it would be.

Odds: 3 to 1

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