Breaking Down Shabazz Muhammad and Nerlens Noel's College Potential

Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad are largely regarded as the top two recruits in the 2012 college basketball class.

Each brings their own strengths and (albeit few) weaknesses to the court, as well as unique skill sets. And each have yet to commit to a school, as each continues to rifle through the powerhouses of NCAA basketball.

So as we await their pivotal decisions, here's a look at Noel and Muhammad, and whom I see being the better college player moving forward.

Nerlens Noel, PF/C (6'10", 215 pounds)

First thing you think when you see Nerlens Noel play: He's going to be one of the premier shot-blockers in college basketball.

Noel not only knows the art of the block; he has incredible defensive instincts, which completes the package. He has the potential to be the premier low-post defender at the next level.

But then you look at the rest of Noel's game and it scares you even more.

He has the quickness, size and bounce to be a terror on the glass and driving to the hoop for thunderous dunks. He also has a low-post game, with the ability to hit the jump hook over either shoulder, and a nice spin move when facing up. Beyond that, he's a terrific passer out of the block.

Noels does need to fill out, though, and he needs to work on his perimeter game. But Anthony Davis didn't have a great mid-range game and was virtually the same size, and he still dominated.

Shabazz Muhammad, SF (6'6", 215 pounds)

The first thing you will notice is that Muhammad is four inches shorter than Noel, but weighs the same. That will give you an idea of what kind of player he is.

Muhammad is the kind of player who can overwhelm you with his strength and athleticism, and he was virtually unstoppable within 15 feet of the hoop throughout high school. He has a good feel for the game, with the ability to score in tight spaces, and sometimes he will simply jump over defenders who get in his way.

Muhammad has also developed a reliable mid-range game and his three-point shooting has improved. He also has the capability of being a lockdown defender in college.

But perhaps above all is Muhammad's temperament. He is an extremely competitive player who will do anything it takes to win. That's why you hear comparisons to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Verdict

It's fitting that Noel and Muhammad are comparable players to Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist because Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist could go No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the 2012 NBA draft; I rank Noel and Muhammad accordingly.

Noel has all the tools to be an Anthony Davis-like player, while Muhammad really does remind me of MKG. Both prospects are so close together in terms of talent that it may come down to who simply wants it more. And while Muhammad's a very competitive recruit, so is Noel.

Right now, I'm giving the edge to Noel, but Muhammad could certainly eclipse him. The difference is razor-thin.

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