Shabazz Muhammad: Odds on Top 10 Schools Landing Nation's Top Recruit for 2012
By (Correspondent) on September 6, 2011
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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