2012-13 College Basketball Preview: 12. UCLA Bruins

By Kels Dayton
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Updated: September 23, 2012

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12. UCLA Bruins

WHY THEY’RE SCARY: Ben Howland landed this year’s Anthony Davis (in theory, at least) in guard Shabazz Muhammad. The 6-6 freshman from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas can score from anywhere on the floor, whether it’s with his patented lefty jump hook from the low block or his sweet stroke from outside. Fellow freshman Kyle Anderson is 6-8 and can shoot the lights out, and transfer Larry Drew II will bring stability to the point.

WHAT SCARES US: The Bruins were a mess last year, as rumors of a program run amuck and a lack of accountability from the players and coaching staff swirled around campus. It didn’t help that UCLA played all of its home games at the L.A. Sports Arena while Pauley Pavilion was being renovated. There’s a lot riding on this season–if the Bruins flop, Howland will be gone.

FINAL DESTINATION: It’s all about the newcomers for UCLA. With the possible exception of Nerlens Noel, no freshman in the nation will be met with as much excitement and expectation as Muhammad. This is a great group of players, but it’s not reasonable to expect them to duplicate what Kentucky did last season.

UCLA