We continue our “Around The Country In 2 Minutes” series, spotlighting hoopers you need to know—circling back to the streets of Las Vegas, a city that’s been quietly producing high-level players across every level of basketball. While the headlines often favor five-star recruits and viral mixtapes, our mission is different. This platform was built to highlight not just…
Author: Kim Muhammad
Just Basketball | Journalist, Media Organization. A father giving high-quality content at the high school, grassroots, and College levels. A one-man film crew that’s all over the country.
From CSN to UC Davis: Why UC Davis Scored Big with JUCO Guard Cyril Franklin
As we continue spotlighting the next wave of talent out of Las Vegas, one name that’s beginning to command some attention is Cyril Franklin, a 6’5” combo guard out of the College of Southern Nevada. He may not be on every national radar—yet—but if he continues to develop, there’s no question he can be a difference-maker at the Division I level….
“Noa Essengue NBA Draft Green Room Invite: France’s Versatile EuroCup Big Prospect Breakdown”
Noa Essengue – France’s Modern Big on the Rise Height: 6’10″ | Weight: 230 lb | Position: Power Forward/CenterCountry: France | Team: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Noa Essengue is quietly building one of the most complete toolkits among European big men under 21. His ability to switch defensively, crash the boards, and serve as a secondary playmaker makes him a versatile presence who plays…
“2025–26 College Basketball Transfer Spotlight: Tulsa Lands High-Upside Guard Tylen Riley from Cal Baptist”
As we continue our nationwide spotlight on rising college basketball talent, one thing remains clear: it’s never too early to talk about the next generation of Vegas players. That’s the heart of “Around the Country in Two Minutes”—a series built to highlight under-the-radar names with real potential. Las Vegas, a city rapidly earning respect as a hotbed…
“From San Jose State to North Texas: How Will McClendon Strengthens the Mean Green Backcourt”
We’re now 147 days away from the tip-off of the 2025–26 college basketball season, and for NCAA Division I athletes, this stretch is where futures are shaped. The offseason is a critical window—where players evolve physically, tactically, and mentally in preparation for what’s next. For those of us who cover the game, this is the moment we lock in—tracking…
“Beyond the Hype: What Vegas Basketball Parents Need to Know About Paid Exposure”
🏀 18+ Years in the Game—and Still Asking Why? After nearly two decades of covering basketball—locally, and nationally—there’s still one question that stays with me: Why are parents paying people to write articles about their children? I’m not talking about legitimate scouting reports used by college coaches. I’m talking about promotional write-ups—articles that may look…
“More Than a Role Player: How Aaron Price Jr. Could Shift Cal Poly’s Season”
I’ve never believed it’s “too early” to shine a light on players from our city. In fact, it’s a responsibility—especially when that spotlight has the power to change the narrative for a player flying under the radar. Aaron Price Jr., a 6’8”, 225-pound forward from Las Vegas, fits that mold. He’s the kind of player…
“No Hype, Just Truth: Writing What the Camera Can’t Capture”
In today’s basketball world, everybody wants a voice—especially in the scouting lane. You see it all across social media: people posting evaluations, ranking players, and offering opinions on talent. But here’s the truth that often gets overlooked—many of them haven’t even seen these players in person. What sets real work apart from surface-level content is…
“The Quiet Beginning: Gonzalo Corbalán’s Forgotten Year at D2 Lubbock Christian”
Every so often, in the process of scouting or reflecting on the game, you come across a name that surprises you. That was the case as I revisited my son’s years at Lubbock Christian University. Tucked away in the archives was a player I hadn’t realized once suited up there: Gonzalo Corbalán. An Argentine Talent with…
“No Apologies Needed: Owning Your Voice in a Crowd That Plays It Safe”
Covering this game from the grassroots to the college ranks, one thing’s always been clear: the realest voices don’t always get the loudest applause. In high school gyms, JUCO gyms, and summer circuits, I’ve seen players play it safe, coaches bite their tongues, and media figures chase approval. But this game has never belonged to the…
“From Sleeper to Star: Why Scouts Can’t Always See Greatness Coming”
Scouting in Basketball: It’s an Opinion, Not a Guarantee One of the biggest misunderstandings in the world of basketball is the belief that scouts have the final word on who’s going to make it. The truth is, scouting is not an exact science — it’s an educated opinion. For all the technology, analytics, and access to film,…
“The Final Word: Recapping The Last 20 Years of Vegas Basketball Greatness”
Over the past few months, I took on a task that many might not even consider. What began as a modest idea to recognize the Top 25 evolved into something much greater. A tribute to two decades of talent, community, and basketball culture in our city. This wasn’t about creating controversy. It was about celebrating the…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | The Final Chapter (25-1)”
Over the last 20 years, Las Vegas has produced seven McDonald’s All-Americans, a number that speaks volumes about the direction things are headed. But that’s just the surface. First-round lottery picks, pros overseas and in the league, and a wave of high-level talent have all come through this city—making it clear that Vegas is no longer…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 3 (50-26)”
Stepping Off the Porch: Part Three of Las Vegas’ Top 100 Players in the Last 20 Years When you’re building something rooted in opinion and history, and putting it on a public platform, you have to be open. Open to feedback. Open to criticism. And open to the fact that not everyone will agree with…
“The Countdown Begins: Vegas Top 100 from the Past 20 Years | Part 2 (75-51)”
Let’s get one thing straight—what you’re about to read isn’t a ranking system. It’s not a list created by algorithms, stats, or committee consensus. It’s simply my personal take, shaped by years of experience, observation, and passion for the game. This is about sizing up the best of the best from the last 20 years…
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