Free(d) Shabazz means new hope for UCLA

              Just a few months removed from the scathing Sports Illustrated article about the unprecedented self-destruction of the basketball program under head coach Ben Howland, UCLA brought in this year’s top rated recruiting class according to ESPN. The crown jewel of that class, Shabazz Muhammad, who many people think is the best player in the country, was going to team up with another top 5 talent in Kyle Anderson and lead the Bruins back to the final four for the first time since 2008.

RHCP bass guitarist Flea at Pauley Pavillion

 But then, before Shabazz ever played a minute in a UCLA uniform, it was over. The NCAA ruled Shabazz ineligible for the 2012-2013 season due to impermissible benefits he received during unofficial recruiting trips to UCLA, including travel expenses and housing. This was an eerie and alarming discovery, because it reminded every UCLA fan of the troubles of the last number 1 recruiting class, the famed “Baby Bruins” of 2008.

That class, headlined by Jrue Holiday and J’mison Morgan and touted as one of the best recruiting classes to ever come to Westwood, famously underachieved. After 5 straight tournament appearances, 3 finals fours, and 3 Pac-10 titles, the Bruins limped to a 14-18 record with blowout losses to USC, Washington, and a 27 point drubbing at the hands of Portland during the 2009-2010 campaign. They were horrible, and many of their problems stemmed from their lack of discipline and team chemistry. But UCLA didn’t fire Ben Howland, rather they decided to let him try and right the ship.

George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I can’t help but think that UCLA boosters were starting to call for Howland’s head when Shabazz was declared ineligible. But luckily for both Howland and Muhammad, the NCAA reinstated the star shooting guard after a 3 game suspension under the condition he would pay back the 1,600 dollars he allegedly received from boosters (Muhammad’s lawyer contends that most of that money came from North Carolina boosters when he made his trip to Chapel Hill). This season has been saved, at least on paper, and if the Bruins make a deep run into March, all will be forgiven for the controversial coach.

But make no mistake, if the Bruins sputter through this season and fail to meet expectations, more people will begin to question Howland’s ability to run this squad, even with his history of success and undeniable ability as a recruiter. However, I doubt that will happen because Ben and Shabazz need this UCLA team to succeed for the pair to reach their goals. A strong statistical season from Shabazz, coupled with a tournament appearance and a couple wins in March will make him a sure fire top 3 pick in the next year’s NBA draft (where the benefits are not only permissible, but included in his contract).

The reinstatement of Shabazz Muhammad has reinvigorated the program’s chances this year and I’m very excited to see how can stack up against teams like Indiana, Kentucky, and NC state.  I’ll be more intrigued to see how the team responds to adversity, because Ben Howland’s future is riding on it.