Shabazz Muhammad, Freshman, Small Forward/Shooting Guard, UCLA
Overview:
It was either going to be Noel or Muhammad projected as the top player in the country. In terms of sheer stats and numbers, this incoming freshman pounded the competition during his high school days. Muhammad had 29.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while a senior at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. The 6-6, 220 lb. guard can double as a small forward down low thanks to his size and intimidation, and he is just as adept going out behind the arc and dropping a long-range shot when least expected.
Muhammad closed his high-school career on a grand stage with 21 points and six rebounds in the annual McDonalds All-American Game, held at the end of March. Many who saw his performance undoubtedly believe he was the game’s most valuable player. On top of a 25.1 point season his junior year (to go with 7.7 rebounds), Muhammad has become one of the most feared incoming freshmen in recent memory.
Final Projection:
UCLA hasn’t had tremendous success in college basketball since a three-season stretch (2005-06 to 2007-08) that saw the Bruins advance to the Final Four all three years. UCLA was in the national-title game in 2006. A lackluster Pac-12 Conference and difficult non-league schedule doomed UCLA to an 11-7 league record and 19-14 overall mark. There is no question Muhammad’s size and shooting strength, not to mention his versatility, should be strong enough to bump the Bruins to 25 wins and a possible trip deep into the NCAA tournament.
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