For you patriots out there, this isn’t the final score you wanted to hear.  Team USA took one on the chin last night, as the World Team snuck back across the border with an 84-75 upset win.  Did customs check their bags?  Upset wins are hard to find.  Get the dogs out.  Somebody call the United Nations. 

Big Blue Nation is an “America First” bunch if there ever was one, but I’m sure you’re more interested in how Shabazz Muhammed, Nerlens Noel, Archie Goodwin, and Anthony Bennett played.  Why else would you be up this early? 

Shabazz Muhammed–if Team USA was a 90′s WWF wrestler, Muhammed would’ve certainly been “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.  He clearly carried the Stars and Stripes.  Muhammed led the Americans with 35 points and 9 rebounds.  Here’s a fun fact:  the 35 points Muhammed hung set a new Hoops Summit record.  Who was the previous record holder?  Enes Kanter.  Granted, he took more shots than Kobe Bryant (27 total), but there’s no doubt Muhammed’s future is brighter than a Baylor uniform.  Brian tweeted yesterday he’s hearing Muhammed will end up at UCLA.  I hope Brian needs a new hearing aid and heard wrong. 

Nerlens Noel–not a bad game from the nation’s “other” top player:  5 points, 4 blocked shots, 4 steals, and 4 rebounds (all on the defensive end).  He was saddled with some foul trouble and it clearly affected his play some.  Still, I saw a little of Anthony Davis in his game.  His stat line doesn’t jump off the page, but his presence alone dictated things the World Team couldn’t do. 

Anthony Bennett–the Canadian power forward was solid, grabbing 11 rebounds to go with 7 points, including the dagger from deep over Nerlens Noel to snuff out Team USA’s comeback.  Here’s the shot, with an added Noel blocked shot:

Archie Goodwin–not a bad showing for the Kentucky commit:  7 points and 3 rebounds.  Here’s a postgame interview where his discusses the Hoops Summit experience and what he’s bringing to Lexington:

Other notes:

–Michigan commit Mitch McGary only played 4 minutes and scored 2 points on a garbage bucket.  You can have him, Wolverines. 

–The “next big thing” in recruiting will undoubtedly be Andrew Wiggins from Canada.  The small forward led the World Team with 20 points and 7 rebounds.  The kid is special, and if he continues to develop and get stronger, don’t be surprised if you start hearing Lebron James/Kobe Bryant-like comparisons.  He’s that good. 

–The World Team had a center from China named Wang.  Am I the only one that thinks that’s funny? 

It’s going to be a sprint to the recruiting finish line for John Calipari.  Both Muhammed and Noel will be announcing theirc choices April 11.  Anthony Bennett will be setting up his official visit to Lexington, as will Alex Oriakhi towards the end of April (GET THEM TO KEENELAND!).  Amille Jefferson is still out there, too.  Once the mass exodus starts–and it’s going to start, BBN–the pieces of the puzzle will start falling into place.

One thing is for certain, BBN–despite a complete overhaul, Kentucky’s going to be fine as wine next season.  Trust in Cal.  I know I do.