The NCAA has given a notice of warning to each school recruiting big time high school star Shabazz Muhammad.  There is some doubt on the eligibility of Muhammad to classify him as an amateur.  The issue rests on Muhammad’s relationship with Benjamin Lincoln and Ken Kavanagh.  
     Lincoln admitted to CBS Sports that he funded two of Shabazz’s unofficial visits. Kavanagh wants to one day represent Muhammad as his agent.  The problem is that he has already donated money to Muhammad’s summer league team.  Kavanagh also admitted to CBS Sports that he regularly attends Shabazz’s games.
    In light of all this, I have a bad feeling about the chances of Shabazz ending up in a Kentucky uniform.  As a matter of fact, I’m not sure he will ever wear any college uniform.

John Calipari

There is a myth out that Kentucky, under the direction of John Calipari, is only a one-and done school. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Below, I’ve listed a link that I encourage everyone to go to and read what it has to say. It includes some great information that you should tell your friends about.

http://www.coachcal.com/11471/2012/02/the-great-myth-of-our-program/

According to zagsblog, 2012 recruit Amile Jefferson is close to making a decision. The 6’8, 205 pound forward out Philly Friends Central is down to 5 schools: Duke, Kentucky, N.C. State, Ohio State, and Villanova. Jefferson’s dad told SNY.tv that Amile would be visiting Duke on the 3rd, and after visiting Duke, he would sit down and make a decision shortly after. Jefferson was thought to have Kentucky off his list about a month ago but things have changed since then and they’re one of his five final schools. Fans don’t be upset if he doesn’t sign with Kentucky, though he would be a great commit. Cal and staff have their sights set on other recruits still yet.

Tony Parker, on the other hand has taken Kentucky off of his list. The 6’9 center from Georgia has decided to make his college choice at this year’s Mcdonald’s All American game on March 28th. Parker is down to Kansas, UCLA, Duke, Ohio State, Memphis, and Georgia. Parker cut Kentucky and Uconn from his list.

Recruiting is about to go in a frenzy. After the final four, and into early May, players will make their college decision. Be sure to check in and find out who will be sporting the Kentucky blue for next year.

The latest SEC Rankings are out and according to ESPN’s Andy Katz, “Kentucky is king, and there doesn’t appear to be another team capable of getting to the Final Four.”

It is undeniable that they’re is only two dominate teams in college basketball, Syracuse and Kentucky. Both teams post only 1 loss on the season and are ranked 1 and 3 in the RPI respectively. The only question remaining, how do they match-up with one another?

Fab Melo

The styles are so different that it isn’t even funny. Playing a primary defense of a 2-3 zone, old school coach Jim Boeheim isn’t afraid to let teams shoot against his Orangemen. And, why wouldn’t he? This defense has held their opponents to a 39% field goal percentage. Most teams prepare season long for a man-to-man scheme so when they face Syracuse, the quickness can absolutely be frustrating. Rebounding is key when playing a zone, it can make or break the fact of a fast break. To their demise however, Syracuse isn’t a great rebounding squad.

Anthony Davis

But, in the game of basketball, it comes down to the guys on the court. A coach can only do so much before the weight becomes rested on the shoulders of his players. Boeheim has no shortage of those either. 10 of his guys average at least 10 mintues per game which is an outstanding number, and the points are spread throughout with Kris Joseph being the leader.

Now that you have heard Syracuse’s argument let’s look at the Cats’.

John Calipari is in his 3rd season in Lexington and without question has his best shot at cutting down the nets. With 7 future NBA players, these Wildcats are something else.
Anthony Davis is currently in a heated race with Kansas’ Thomas Robinson for National Player of the Year. The cast includes several potential All-Americans, 5-star athletes, 2011 SEC POY, and 2011 SEC tournament MVP. 4 freshman, 2 sophomores, and 1 senior, they have the perfect blend of youth and experience that you need to contend.

Kentucky is ranked 11th in the nation in field goal percentage and 1st in field goal percentage defense. Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock you also know they lead the country in blocks per game. Unfortunately for everyone else, you can’t score against them nor stop them from scoring.

To sum it up, you couldn’t have two more opposing teams at 1 and 2 in the nation. Syracuse brings to the floor an old fashioned James Naismith type game while Kentucky is the future of basketball at an uptempo, dribble drive pace.

You be the judge.