In news that can’t surprise anyone, UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad will enter the 2013 NBA Draft.
Once a Top 5 pick on DraftExpress.com, Muhammad currently sits at No. 9 in its Mock Draft.
Muhammad led the Bruins with 17.9 points per game as a freshman in 2012-13, securing first-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors in addition to being named Pac-12 Co-Freshman of the Year. The 6-foot-6 guard/forward from Las Vegas helped lead UCLA to a 25-10 record, the Pac-12 regular-season title, a runner-up finish in the Pac-12 Tournament and an NCAA Tournament berth.
“I am so thankful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at UCLA and will always be proud to be a Bruin,” Muhammad said. “From a young age, I have dreamed of playing in the NBA, and I believe that this is the right time for me to move to the next level.
“I have had an unbelievable experience at UCLA and am eternally grateful to my teammates, my coaches and the program’s support staff for helping me become a better person and basketball player during my time in Westwood. It has been an honor and a privilege to play for coach Ben Howland.”
Fellow freshmen Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams are expected to remain at UCLA, while Tony Parker is weighing his options.
Release/Photo Courtesy UCLA