UCLA 2012 Basketball: CLA Sports Recruiting Breakdown

Incoming UCLA Recruiting Class Primed to Restore Winning Tradition

The UCLA Bruins basketball team shrugged off the recent controversy surrounding the state of the program to defeat the conference leading Washington Huskies 75-69 at Pauley Pavilion last Saturday. Amid the media storm, head coach Ben Howland’s job security has never been more tenuous. Rest assured, if the Bruins were making Final Fours like they used to under Howland, there would be no controversy.

Considering the Bruins recent stretch of mediocrity, it is understandable that many alumni and fans have grown weary of Howland and the direction of the program. While that concern has merit, Ben Howland deserves the opportunity to lead his loaded 2012 list of recruits featuring St. Anthony’s point forward Kyle Anderson, Oak Hill Academy swingman Jordan Adams and potentially Miller Grove center Tony Parker and Bishop Gorman star Shabazz Muhammad.

With Anderson and Adams signed, the Bruins already boast a solid recruiting class. Big man Tony Parker will reportedly decide between UCLA and Duke, with the Bruins holding a slight advantage. At 6’8 255, Parker is a brute in the paint with a quality post game.

The eligibility of Shabazz Muhammad remains shrouded in uncertainty, while his services are being fervently sought by several schools around the country. For what it’s worth, CLA believes both Parker and Muhammad will ultimately land in Westwood.

The commitment of Kyle Anderson was huge for UCLA. At 6-8 215, Anderson has drawn comparisons to Magic Johnson because of his point guard mentality and floor vision. Kyle had the privilege of honing his skills under the tutelage of legendary St. Anthony’s head man Bob Hurley Sr. Anderson’s uncanny passing ability will greatly benefit his future teammates and the fluidity of the Bruin offense. Simply put, Kyle Anderson is a coach’s dream and should make an immediate impact for UCLA next season.

A direct beneficiary of Kyle Anderson’s court vision will be fellow incoming freshman Jordan Adams. The Oak Hill star is a lights out shooter and should help spread the floor for UCLA. At 6’5 215, Adams also has the ability to put the ball on the deck and attack the basket. With seniors Lazeric Jones and Jerime Anderson graduating, Adams will likely have the opportunity to play right away and should perform a key role in returning the Bruins to glory.

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Danny "DSPN" Dabiri (Editor)