If you haven't yet read the LA Times story today on Shabazz Muhammad -- star freshman for UCLA, which plays the Gophers tonight at 9 p.m. -- go check it out when you have 5 minutes. It's quite the tale of how he was sculpted and bred to be a star athlete, right down to his father's choice of spouse and the name he was given.

Also of interest: Muhammad is apparently 20 instead of 19, exactly one year older than it has been said he is. Somewhere along the way, a year was dropped from his real age, giving him an edge against those in his "age" group." Terrific reporting. Fascinating story. Check it out.

Is that an acceptable path to success? Your thoughts in the comments.