Jaylen Hands to UCLA: Bruins Land 4-Star PG Prospect

UCLA's 2017 recruiting class is off to a fantastic start with Mater Dei Catholic point guard Jaylen Hands committing to the Bruins.   

Hands tweeted out news of his commitment Wednesday:

According to 247Sports' rankings, Hands is a 4-star prospect and the No. 3 high school point guard in the 2017 class. He gives head coach Steve Alford a third commit for that class and an early lead in the team recruiting rankings. 

Hands is slight, listed at 6'0" and 150 pounds, but the 16-year-old has plenty of time to add muscle and strength before beginning his college career. 

Speaking to Evan Daniels of Scout.com about his decision to attend UCLA, Hands said Alford's style of play and emphasis on guard play was a key factor: "I love how they play up tempo and rely on their guards. They use the pick and roll well and put the ball in their guards hands and let them play freely. I feel with my ability to create for my teammates and as well as myself, I would fit in great with that system."

Alford has led UCLA to the Sweet 16 each of the past two seasons and is building a great foundation for the future that will bring this once-elite program back into national prominence soon. 

The addition of Hands is the latest coup for Alford, who has done excellent recruiting in two years at UCLA. The Bruins had a top-10 class in 2014 and currently have top-five classes for 2016 and 2017. Now, the hardest part will be waiting for two years before the Chula Vista, California, native arrives on campus.