Kentucky Surging to the Top for Shabazz Muhammad

The dribble-drive offense-- something all top recruits look to be apart of in college.

But specifically, junior Shabazz Muhammad (Bishop Gorman HS, Nev.) wants to play in the dribble-drive, as he has continuously expressed his will to play in the offense.

Nothing was different when I talked to him.

"Coach Calipari has the dribble-drive and that's what I want to play in. My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA, and Cal can do that."

This explains the recent "surging" of Kentucky to the top of list. That isn't all of it though.

"They (the coaches) are just staying in contact with me and that goes a long way. I talk to the assistants a lot," he explained. "I could really see myself playing there."

Muhammad think a lot of the program as well.

"The basketball program is one of the most prestigious in the country. Right now, I compare my game to Kentucky's and see how I could fit in. I would love to play there."

However, there are other teams that have the interest of Muhammad too, just like other recruits.

"Duke, Kentucky, UCLA, Kansas, North Carolina, Memphis, UNLV, and some other teams are on my list right now (in no specific order)," Muhammad said. He also went on to say "I have yet to drop anyone from my list."

But right now, he does have favorites. Three in fact.

"UCLA, Kentucky, and Duke" sit at the top of Muhammad's list right now.

When asked about who was recruiting him the hardest, he had this to say:

"Probably UCLA. They stay in contact the most. But Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina are recruiting me hard, too.

So does this mean UCLA is the top team for Shabazz right now?

"Oh no, that does not mean it at all. It's hard to pick a top team. UCLA, Kentucky, and Duke are all right there."

Overall, it looks like Muhammad and Kentucky are sitting on pretty good terms with one another.

The coaches are also sticking close to him, as Muhammad said.

"The coaches came to watch me play in Las Vegas and at the City of Palms a couple of weeks ago."

It's regular for coaches to travel to watch recruits on their off-days, but it truly shows interest when the recruit takes a visit to the college.

"We have no visit planned yet (to Kentucky), but I've been talking with my dad and we're planning a date. We will be coming soon though."

Lexington and the fans will be excitedly anticipating that visit.

Everyone knows that Muhammad has discussed playing with a couple of players in college, including Kentucky recruit Archie Goodwin and Louisville commit Rodney Purvis.

I asked him about these two players in particular, and he had this to say:

"I'd like to play with good surroundings in general. I've also talked to Alex Murphy too. I just want a good core."

Obviously, the surroundings will be a very big factor in where Muhammad will decide to go to school.

But the youngster still has a season going on.

In fact, Monday he and his Bishop Gorman squad will take on the top team in the nation, St. Patrick's.

The game will be televised on ESPNU and Kentucky fans will have a chance to watch a future 'Cat in Michael Gilchrist, along with other possible Wildcat recruits including sophomore Austin Colbert and freshman Dakari Johnson take on Shabazz Muhammad.

Stay tuned for more info.



Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter @GTuckersports for more info on Kentucky and basketball recruiting.