UCLA Basketball: How Tony Parker Boosts Bruins to Title Contention

Big man Tony Parker's announcement was much anticipated, given his high standing in the 2012 recruiting class and the fact that he was one of few remaining players who had yet to sign.

But on Monday, Parker announced that he would be signing with UCLA, putting the speculation and lengthy press conference to an end.

Anthony Dasher of UGASports.com tweeted at the presser:

"

Tony Parker has committed to UCLA

— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) April 23, 2012"

Combined with fellow recruits Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson, Parker completes the best recruiting class in the nation this offseason. He gives the Bruins a shot at not only the Pac-12 title, but a national title.

Parker, at 6'9", 280 pounds, averaged 16.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.0 blocks his senior season at Miller Grove High School in Georgia. He has an excellent combination of size, scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking ability, making him the No. 26 overall recruit in the class according to ESPNU.

Beyond UCLA, Parker has also been recruited by the likes of Duke, Ohio State, Kansas, Georgetown, Memphis and Georgia. He has the size to play center in college and is able to eat up space in the paint. But he's not just a back-down post player. He has a nice array of post moves and has the ability to face up from 15 feet in, either knocking down the jump shot or driving to the basket. He even has a nice jump hook over his left shoulder.

There are some concerns about Parker's conditioning and stamina, but he did work hard to slim down in his senior season, and these concerns have been alleviated a bit. However, his motor is going to have to pick up if he expects to excel in college.

The bottom line is, Parker has been hyped since ninth grade. He has a great skill set, combined with soft touch and great hands. He could make an immediate impact for the Bruins.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about the 2012 recruiting class together.