Shabazz Muhammad Will Bring Respect Back to Pac-12 Basketball

Shabazz Muhammad has done all he can to prove he is the nation's top basketball recruit. His latest feat was scoring a game-high 21 points in the 35th McDonald's All-American Game, securing MVP bragging rights as he led his West squad to a 106-102 victory.

Next up is the not-so-small task of bringing respect back to the once-mighty Pac-12.

Granted, Muhammad is yet to make a decision on what college will get his temporary services before he moves onto his NBA career. Perennial powers Duke and Kentucky will certainly argue the virtues of helping continue their winning tradition.

But what kind of mark can Muhammad make on a program that is already seen as elite? He would be just another nameplate in their current basketball powerhouse.

However, should Muhammad opt to stay on the west coast, he has the opportunity to claim responsibility for rebuilding a once-mighty UCLA dynasty, and with it change the Hoops fortunes of the Pac-12.

Yes, the mighty on the left coast have fallen. The UCLA Bruins haven’t advanced to the Sweet 16 since their Final Four run in 2008. They have missed the tournament two of the last four years, and sat at home this postseason.

The only bright spot for the conference was advancing two teams to the Final Four of the NIT, capped by Stanford’s commanding win over Minnesota.

Muhammad will make a collegiate decision next week. He could opt to travel across the country to play for current power, but he will succumb to the attraction of staying close to home to rebuild a dynasty.

UCLA is poised to be a prominent program next season. They have already secured F Kyle Anderson and G Jordan Adams, while C Tony Parker from Milton High in Georgia is strongly considering the Bruins.

Perhaps all that is keeping Muhammad and Parker from joining is a promise from head coach Ben Howland that he is prepared to let the freshman play.

The program has several quality players that will be entering their junior seasons. Led by 6’10” “Twin Tower” forwards Travis and David Wear, this recruiting class could be enough to put UCLA back at the top of the NCAA food-chain.

Muhammad made a comment following the McDonald's All-American Game that reveals a priority: “When you come to any event you want to be known as the best player."

He’ll have that opportunity in Los Angeles. An improved UCLA program will be a desired recruiting stop for the game’s top talent. As players visit one Pac-12 program, they will inevitably consider the PAC-12 conference as a whole.

The 2011-12 season was one to be quickly forgotten by the Pac-12, but a Muhammad decision to stay out west will help the conference regain its street cred.