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Shabazz Muhammad gets airborne ... to talk, not score

Shabazz Muhammad drives against Arizona's Solomon Hill in a game at Pauley Pavilion.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Shabazz Muhammad ‘s stock in the NBA draft has tumbled. His father was charged with bank fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Oh, and he’s still 20 years old.

Time to take to the air. Appearing Friday on Jim Rome’s radio show, Muhammad discussed ...

His dad: “I wasn’t really familiar with what happened. I haven’t talked to him. I mean, I’m always there for my dad.”

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His season at UCLA: “There was some stuff that I wasn’t really comfortable with. It wasn’t a really up-tempo style of play, but I really enjoyed playing there. ... I didn’t really get to show a lot of off-the-dribble stuff.”

His age: “That was something I wasn’t really familiar on either. I never told anybody I was 19. My friends know I’m 20. Everyone knows I’m 20. My driver’s license says I’m 20. That’s something that got twisted up with my father and reporters.”

To recap …

--He’s there for his dad, but hadn’t talked to him within 24 hours after the indictment.

--Former UCLA Coach Ben Howland made him uncomfortable by constantly putting the ball in his hands.

--He never told anyone that he was 19.

On the third point, UCLA listed him as 19 in the basketball media guide. Player bios are usually done off a questionnaire the player fills out.

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Shabazz Muhammad’s dad put under house arrest

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