Shabazz Muhammad to UCLA: Bruins Reportedly Land Coveted Class of 2013 Recruit

Shabazz Muhammad has chosen to play college basketball at UCLA, according to Jeff Borzello of CBSSports.com.

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Shabazz Muhammad has informed all the coaches involved that he will be committing to UCLA.

—Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 11, 2012"

The coveted 6'6'' forward from Las Vegas, who's rated by Rivals as the nation's top recruit, chose the Bruins over offers from Kentucky and Duke. He'll be able to immediately step in to help the team's quest for a national championship alongside fellow star recruits Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams.

Muhammad recently showed off his skills at the McDonald's All-American Game, scoring 21 points and grabbing six rebounds in 22 minutes. He always looked in control despite having a target on his back as an elite recruit.

Muhammad is capable of getting to the rim or stepping outside to knock down jumpers. That type of versatility usually leads to instant results at the college level. He's also a tireless worker, so anything he doesn't yet have in his arsenal will develop quickly.

On the defensive end, Muhammad's athleticism has given him an advantage over most players in high school. He'll need to become more physical against the more talented college stars, but he should be a strong source of blocks and rebounds.

With each passing year, college basketball tilts more toward freshman stars and away from the senior-laden squads that dominated past tournaments. Players are more prepared to play right away, and Muhammad is a perfect example.

Polished players like him used to be considered extremely rare, but now, there seems to be a couple who emerge from every class. That's why programs like Kentucky are able to remain competitive even though the roster undergoes frequent turnover.

It would be surprising if Muhammad isn't one of the major stars during next year's March Madness. He's got all the tools to become a dynamic player at both ends and should excel once those early-season jitters wear off.

Now that his commitment is apparently solidified, he can turn his focus back to basketball.