Spoke Too Soon
UCLA head coach Ben Howland had to do a little bit of back tracking when he jumped the gun in saying star Freshman Shabazz Muhammad was going pro at the conclusion of the season. He apologized for the statement, recanted, and offered his position on his recruits and their NBA futures.
"I'm sorry that I even -- I'm sometimes too honest because it would have been better to have answered that question differently the other day because I've never discussed it with Shabazz," Howland said. "It's just kind of obvious when a kid is a lottery pick that they're going to be going to the NBA in this day and age."
Some media outlets took the mistake and ran with it to the grossest of exaggerations. That's unfair. Yes, Howland never should have made the statement without consulting Shabazz, but what he said is what most people already know, Muhammad is going to the draft.
Now, there's always a chance that some freak decision pulls him back to UCLA, but you'll have a terrible time trying to think up what it is. Shabazz, however, did respond to his coaches comments.
"I never said I'm not coming back even though I know I'm in a pretty good position draft-wise. But I'm looking at our team next year and we could be really good. I'm just worried about this season right now and whether I want to come back or not -- that'll be after the season."
If the NBA thing doesn't work out I'd say he's got a future in politics.
McCollum May Be Out
After suffering a broken left foot in January, things looked bleak for Lehigh star C.J. McCollum.
He's shed the crutches just last week, but still hasn't completed his rehab. Were this injury anywhere else except maybe his knee, he might have been able to start playing through it, but taking away his pivot and throbbing pain every time you leave the floor will only hinder his game.
There's still some optimism he'll return, but Head Coach Brett Reed is preparing his team to play without him.
Tough going for such a feel-good story and bright star in college basketball.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
