Muhammad picks UCLA

For an announcement considered among the country’s best secrets, Shabazz Muhammad’s decision to choose UCLA caused much consternation for the Bruin faithful.

With John Calipari and Mike Krzyzewski fiercely on the hunt, the days leading up to signing day were anything but peaceful for those hoping Muhammad would end up in Westwood.

He will.

The nation’s No. 2-rated player announced his decision to play for Ben Howland’s Bruins on Wednesday night live on ESPNU, and his announcement pushes UCLA to No. 2 in the recruiting rankings, a spot behind Arizona.

Muhammad said he picked the Bruins because he “it’s a challenge,” citing the team’s struggles the past two years, struggles that were found both on and off the court. Muhammad’s arrival, however, goes a long way to help both.

In addition to being considered a high-motor, team-first winner, Muhammad is considered one of the elite scorers in the country, and he’s listed at No. 2 on Chad Ford’s Big Board for 2013.

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