Shabazz Muhammad and Nerlens Noel Decide but Anthony Bennett Looms

Tick tock, tick tock… This is your WBN 6PM post – making it potentially the last post to go up before the 7:45 PM EST Nerlens Noel decision; the first of two live decisions on ESPNU (8:45 Shabazz Muhammad).

Despite the talk about Kentucky burning couches because of a positive or negative outcome tonight, don’t count on it. Calipari has sold his style with the crowd base and the recruiting class can still be top 5 in the nation even if they miss on the below targets. We’re still riding high on #8…

Here’s where we stand with all the Twitter logic, inside ‘sources’, and other water cooler gossip on the first chance at #9:

Nerlens Noel:

Likely Candidates: Georgetown, Kentucky, Syracuse.

Unlikely Candidates: A shock! Nerlens tweeted last night that he was ‘gon shock the world’. At this point, the basketball world is embracing for every scenario. A shock doesn’t seem likely unless he decides to reclassify and/or go to Europe and play ball, both ideas are out of left field but could be in the ball park.

What’s being said: Kentucky was said to be a leader in the pack, then Georgetown snuck in the latest rumor mill rumblings. Noel met with his family last night and talked and apparently came to a conclusion – find out at 7:45 PM EST on ESPNU.

My two cents: Watch the dotted lines. We’ve seen Cal slip in and snatch a prime player before (Terrence Jones anyone?) after they announced… even after the words are said, wait until the signature is on paper before casting judgement in “THE END OF THE CALIPARI EFFECT!” This decision has weighed heavily on Noel and this self imposed deadline might not be the end.

Shabazz Muhammad

Likely Candidates: UCLA, Kentucky, Duke

Unlikely Candidates: Muhammad has narrowed down his list to three and has seemingly cut Duke from the running in recent days.

What’s being said: UCLA has made a major push to land the top prospects services and have always been considered a front runner.

My two cents: Muhammad has a choice between being a shooter and a championship contender. The Bruins will be good as they pack a number of top recruits. UCLA is closer to home for Muhammad, on the same time zone, and the PAC-10 competition will most certainly be easy wins. However, Kentucky is Kentucky… but has that really had time to settle in for a reputation of winning.

Anthony Bennett

Likely Candidates: Oregon, UNLV, Florida, Kentucky, Washington

Unlikely Candidates: Bennett has been holding out for quite a while, so he won’t be signing tonight.

What’s being said: All signs say the reason for his late signing is that he has wanted to see where the other guys go. His size and contribution would be limited if the other players are going to the same school, especially Muhammad.

My two cents: If you accept the reason for the late announcement, then look at the common denominators between Muhammad and Bennett, you see Kentucky as the first choice by Bennett if they don’t get Shabazz. However, will Bennett feel like he was left out if the Wildcats come knocking louder after missing out on ‘bazz?

Amile Jefferson

Likely Candidates: North Carolina State, Duke, Kentucky, Villanova

Unlikely Candidates: Jefferson is tall and athletic. I think he’s 3rd on Kentucky’s list and that makes it unlikely the Cats land him, especially after the attention Coach K has provided.

What’s being said: Jefferson attended the Derby Festival Classic in Louisville, Kentucky last week and received little attention from Kentucky fans before the game. However, Jefferson has been a lesser known quantity than those ranked ahead of him until that All-Star game. After that game, his name has definitely been talked about more.

My two cents: Although Calipari and company have turned the heat up lately on Jefferson, if they miss with Muhammad and Bennett, expect a full fledged forest fire. However, I see it being hard to pass Duke or North Carolina State.