Big Blue Nation Linkapalooza: Shabazz Muhammad Edition

Shabazz Muhammed is the #1 ranked player for 2012, and he is one of John Calipari's main recruiting targets for next year.  The smooth lefty guard from Las Vegas just keeps getting better and better, and he has noticed Kentucky's attention to him.  Muhammad is friends with Michael Gilchrist, and likes the Wildcats a lot.

That can't be bad, but Muhammad is adamant that he has no favorite, and is "wide open."

Now, for the rest of the news:

• Bruce Pearl thought the Tressel affair was "going to be a good thing" for him.
  Bruce, you're a mess. It's going to be a long time before anyone trusts you. Probably too long for you to be an NCAA coach. You have disgraced yourself.

• From head coach in college to head coach in high school.
  Tony Jones has fallen a long way, but at least he has a job, unlike his former boss.

• Rick Pitino girding his loins for battle on the recruiting front.
  Unfortunately, he is behind the times with his new "brand." Kentucky has been there for years.

• It's Kentucky versus the locals.
  This year figures to be a bit tougher than recent years for Coach Cal, but I have confidence in him.

• John Riek is transferring from Mississippi State.

• Kentucky basketball target Ellis discusses recruiting options

  Ellis also said he liked the "approach" of UK Coach John Calipari.

  "He's not real on you," Ellis said of Calipari. "He lets you roam a little freely."

  Sounds about right.

• The July recruiting period begins today.
  Where in the world is John Calipari? Where the recruits are, no doubt.

• This kid will be on campus this summer, I hear.
  Not necessarily as a signee, but Calipari is working on him.

• Big is good.
  And 6'5,", 300# is definitely big.

• Now it's Lucky 13.
  What a monster.

• May he rest in peace.

• Has Rick Pitino underachieved at Louisville?
  I say no. Louisville isn't the program Kentucky is, and anyone with half a brain knows that. It is easier to succeed at Kentucky than Louisville. I actually think Pitino has done pretty well, considering what he has to work with.

• I hope Newton is ready to take the reigns.
  The thought of losing to Louisville makes me throw up a little in my mouth.