CHARLOTTE (CBS) — Ben Howland has landed one of the nations top recruit, Shabazz Muhammad, as he announced live on ESPNU Wednesday night.

Muhammad, a 6-foot-6 forward/guard from Las Vegas, Nevada, chose UCLA over Kentucky and Duke.  Kansas, Arizona, UNLV, USC and Memphis were among other schools in the running.

Howland had a major advantage over other schools since most of Muhammad’s family is from Los Angeles.

Muhammad, who is Rivals.com’s No. 1 recruit, had an impressive showing at the McDonald’s All-American game by leading all scorers with 21 points.

“Get ready, Westwood,” said Muhammad on ESPNU. “Be ready for a good, exciting season and hopefully sell out the new and improved Pauley Pavilion”

Kyle Anderson, who is ranked No. 3, will also join Muhammad at UCLA after committing to the school in November. With the signs of these two players, UCLA is poised to be one of the nation’s top teams heading into the 2012-13 season.

“These two guys will put UCLA back on the map,” Lakers’ Hall of Famer James Worthy said.

Muhammad also tweeted, “the recruiting process was a blessing to have and still a fan of Duke and Kentucky very hard decision for me !!!!!”