Coaches turn west for hoops Muhammad
It didn't come as any surprise that Shabazz Muhammad had a monster summer. After all, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman did enter the summer as the No. 4-ranked player in the class of 2012.
But, with kids you never know how they will react with a target on their back. In Muhammad's case, he embraced it and used it as a motivational tool to improve other aspects of his game.
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"It feels good," said Muhammad of being highly regarded. "I know that guys are going to really try to guard me hard so I've been focusing on being better at getting the ball to my teammates."
A lefty with electric athleticism, Muhammad is a magnificent finisher on the break who gets to the rim in a hurry. He can post up and has turned himself into a very good spot up shooter.
In fact, his post-up game is so strong that some wondered if he might be focusing there to make up for weaknesses in his perimeter game. It's something that the junior has heard and played a part in him looking to prove that he could play more facing the basket and on the perimeter.
"I heard people say I'm weak (on the perimeter)," Muhammad told Rivals.com. "I've really been practicing that this summer because in college I know I'm going to play the two. At my size, I need to keep working on my ball handling, my mid-range shot and my three-point shot."
Being chased by the top programs in the country, Muhammad can count scholarship offers from the likes of North Carolina, UNLV, Duke, Kansas, UCLA, Texas, Memphis, Louisville and many more. Just a few weeks ago he visited Memphis unofficially and liked what he saw.
"It was a really good visit," said Muhammad. "I'd never been to Memphis before so it was a plus, definitely a plus. Coach Pastner is a really good coach and he's a young guy."
So far, Muhammad has only planned one other visit -- to North Carolina for their Late Night festivities in October -- but he's likely to set up more unofficial visits throughout the year.
As for a decision, he's in no rush and will base it off of his comfort level with a particular staff.
"I don't know exactly when I'll make a decision yet. But, it's definitely going to be somewhere during my senior year," said Muhammad. "I just think it will be whatever school I feel most comfortable with. I'm talking to the coaches and calling them and getting a feel for who is going to let me play."