Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman was offered a basketball scholarship to the University of Houston on his first day of high school in 2010. Having grown up in the Washington, D.C., metro area, he moved to Pennsylvania and was starting his first year at Allentown Central Catholic High School. He captured some attention on the summer circuit and was building a name in recruiting circles. After receiving the offer from Houston, he began receiving mail from the likes of North Carolina and Georgetown.
Abdur-Rahkman thought, at the time, that his future was clear and uncomplicated. Stardom awaited. He'd have his pick of powerhouse schools.