The Ben Howland era that appeared to be on life support just a few weeks ago may have received the shock it needed to bring it back go life tonight when Shabazz Muhammad announced that he would be heading to UCLA this fall. While there are still issues regarding Muhammad’s eligibility related to his family’s relationship with financial advisors that need to be sorted out the addition of Muhammad to go along with Kyle Anderson, a point forward who is one of the top recruits in the country, suddenly makes this UCLA class one of the best in the country.
Shabazz Is Taking His Show To UCLA
News of Muhammad’s commitment to UCLA broke shortly before ESPNU’s nationally-televised extravaganza where the nation’s top two players–Muhammad and Nerlens Noel–announced their choices as multiple sources confirmed that Muhammad informed coaches at Duke, Kentucky, and UCLA today that he is headed to Westwood. Muhammad is expected to formally announce his choice of UCLA any moment now and for Bruins fans who have endured a season from hell–injuries, suspensions, SI cover stories, and discontent–they will have to wait on pins and needles for final confirmation from the spectacular scoring wing himself.
The addition of Muhammad and Anderson instantly makes UCLA one of the top, if not the top, team out west. With the two spectacular freshmen, the Wear twins, and potentially Josh Smith the Bruins could have a very scary lineup although a lot of how lethal they will be depends on how willing Howland is to let the talent of his freshman shine even if it makes him go away from his usual methodical style of play.