Muhammad departs UCLA after one season

Apr 16, 2013 - 4:34 PM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - UCLA freshman Shabazz Muhammad has decided to enter the 2013 NBA Draft.

Muhammad had eligibility issues at the start of the season, but missed only three games in November and finished as the Bruins' leading scorer. He averaged 17.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 32 games, earning All-Pac-12 first- team honors while also being named the conference's co-freshman of the year.

"I am so thankful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at UCLA and will always be proud to be a Bruin," said Muhammad in a statement Tuesday. "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."

The 6-foot-6 Muhammad, a Los Angeles native who played high school ball in Las Vegas, helped the Bruins to a record of 25-10 with a Pac-12 regular-season title.

UCLA lost to Oregon in the Pac-12 tourney title game and was eliminated by Minnesota in its NCAA Tournament opener. Coach Howland was fired soon after.