UCLA Basketball: What the 2012 Recruiting Class Means to the Program

The signings of both Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson may have saved UCLA head coach Ben Howland's job.

UCLA is coming off of a very poor season—finishing with a record of 19-14. For some programs, that might be considered a solid season.

For a program with the legacy of UCLA, it's a travesty.

Immense amounts of pressure have fallen upon the shoulders of Howland.

Not only have the Bruins fell considerably short of expectations the past few seasons, but the program has been embroiled in a turmoil-filled malaise.

This article completely paints the basketball program in a most horrific way. Physical altercations, excessive partying and a lack of commitment has characterized the squad in the last three seasons.

Suffice it to say, but this is not the UCLA of old.

Despite all of the shortcomings and negative press, there's a new sense of optimism bleeding amidst the fan base and coaching staff.

That optimism comes in the form of Muhammad and Anderson.

Muhammad is considered to be one of the top prospects in the entire country. He attacks the rim with unabated ferocity and fervor. 

He's a very adept mid-range shooter and has the overall athleticism to take defenders off of the dribble and finish at the basket with ease.

Perhaps the two most impressive qualities displayed by Muhammad are his maturity and competitiveness.

Muhammad doesn't like to lose, plain and simple. His desire to compete and win helps to make him a complete player. He displays an effort on the defensive end of the floor and can guard multiple positions on the court.

The talented lefty from Las Vegas is also a very articulate young man. Although he's an outstanding scorer, he isn't a selfish player. That element truly does stem from his wonderful character as a human being.

Similarly to Muhammad, Anderson is cut from the same cloth.

The play of the New Jersey native epitomizes unselfishness.

At 6'8", he's a pure point guard. His unique skill set allows him to see the floor from an unnatural prospective, and his passing ability is outstanding for a player his size.

His game doesn't rely on quickness and athleticism but rather on intelligence and craftiness. Anderson utilizes a myriad of hesitation moves, which frees up space for either a driving lane to the basket or an open perimeter shot.

What do these two commitments mean for next year?

Both Muhammad and Anderson are consummate winners.

Muhammad went 28-4 this season at Bishop Gorman High School. Anderson went a stellar 32-0 at the famed St. Anthony High School.

This type of winning culture is desperately needed for the UCLA program at this time.

Additionally, the strong-willed character of both Muhammad and Anderson won't let UCLA sit at the mediocre level of the past few seasons.

When Howland and the Bruins made three straight Final Four appearances between 2006-08, his teams were built upon effort, team chemistry, discipline and high character.

Both Anderson and Muhammad bring that in droves. Recently, the same level of dedication just hasn't been there on UCLA teams.

The duo should start right away. Muhammad will more than likely slot into the small forward position, while Anderson will play the point and have the ball in his hands.

The third member of the current class is small forward Jordan Adams. Adams' key skill is shooting the ball from the perimeter.

His ability to be consistent from three-point range will be huge. He'll get many open looks from the perimeter, especially considering the amount of attention both Muhammad and center Josh Smith will draw.

If he can hit the three-ball with regularity, it'll give the Bruins an added dimension not seen on the roster since the days of former guard Mike Roll.

A renaissance of sorts has hit the UCLA basketball program.

The excitement of the aforementioned duo gives great hope—as does the move into a brand new Pauley Pavilion next season.

With the existing talent level on the roster, the Bruins should be competitive not only in the Pac-12, but also nationally.