There are essential three guys vying to be the top player of 2012: Isaiah Austin, Andre Drummond and Shabazz Muhammad. Seems no one can agree on who’s next.
Rankings by the three top recruiting sites – Scout, Rivals and ESPN – were compiled by Rob Dauster, who has an extensive worksheet here. But after those top three, there are as many questions as answers. Rob highlights a few, such as Wannah Bell, ranked 27th by Rivals, 61st by Scout and 98th by ESPN. That’s more than a little disagreement.
Anyway, go through that list. Take in the names. Then read this profile of Muhammad by Jeff Borzello. I’m convinced he may very well end up as the class’ top guy. He says he’s not concerned with being No. 1, but is driven by the thought of always being the best guy when he’s playing.
“That’s the first thing that comes to mind,” he told Borzello. “I’m the best player on the court and I have to prove it.”
That type of drive and determination – coupled with impressive athleticism -- usually wins out when it comes to being a top player. If Muhammad does improve his ball-handling, he may well end up being the best.
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