Shabazz Muhammad: Prized Recruit Launches UCLA Program into Stratosphere

Top recruit Shabazz Muhammad won't just help UCLA on the court, but he'll boost the Bruins off the court, as well.

That's because when you land a recruit as prized as Muhammad, new doors open up for you and budding recruits begin leaning your way.

Muhammad spurning Kentucky and Duke may have been surprising, but there were several reasons why choosing UCLA wasn't that shocking. Beyond Muhammad's family ties to Southern California, head coach Ben Howland said having the opportunity to help UCLA "rise right back to the top" may have been a factor for the No. 2 recruit in the class, via the LA Times.

UCLA has had its fair share of NBA prospects throughout the years, but the heavily-scrutinized program hasn't made it past the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament since the 2007-2008 season. Howland, despite six NCAA tournament appearances in nine seasons at UCLA, was in hot water at the end of last season when the Bruins missed the tournament with a 19-14 record.

With Muhammad, not to mention Kyle Anderson, this is an opportunity for the UCLA program to blossom and get back to the days when Final Four appearances were regular occurrences. It's also an opportunity to topple Arizona, who beat UCLA in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament last season and has a top recruiting class of its own this year.

But beyond the immediate impact on the floor for the Bruins, Muhammad's hyped signing helps the program off the floor, too.

Howland said during a conference call with reporters on Wednesday night, via the LA Times:

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I think this is going to reinvigorate our recruiting efforts. When other kids see the kids we’re attracting and are coming here now, it’s a great thing for recruiting in the future as we move forward.

"

With Muhammad and Anderson, UCLA landed the No. 2 and No. 5 recruits in the class respectively, according to ESPNU. Beyond that, the Bruins also nabbed Top-50 recruit Jordan Adams.

The impact on the court will be felt immediately for the UCLA basketball program, but Muhammad's arrival will stay with the Bruins long after he departs.

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