In what should be filed under the “As Expected” folder, UCLA freshman star Shabazz Muhammad will almost certainly be entering the 2013 NBA Draft, according to Bruins coach Ben Howland.
Shabazz Muhammad to enter 2013 NBA Draft, surprising no one
UCLA coach Ben Howland said after the Bruins’ upset win over No. 11 Arizona, freshman standout Shabazz Muhammad had played his last game at Pauley Pavilion.
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Muhammad scored 18 points in an upset victory over No. 11 Arizona on Saturday night, UCLA’s last game at Pauley Pavilion this season. Afterward, Howland said that there was “no doubt” that Muhammad had played his last home game as a Bruin.
The frosh standout has had quite the eventful year in Los Angeles, first being ruled ineligible at the start of the season before finally being allowed to play. Muhammad has been brilliant pretty much all year, averaging 18.3 points and 5.1 rebounds for a UCLA team currently tied with Oregon atop the Pac-12 standings.
Muhammad himself has not committed to a decision, but considering he's a surefire lottery pick, there's little reason to expect him to return to UCLA for a second season. DraftExpress currently has Muhammad projected to go No. 3 overall, behind only Kentucky's Nerlens Noel and Kansas' Ben McLemore.
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