Vegas prep star Shabazz Muhammad picks UCLA

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

LAS VEGAS (AP) One of the nation's top high school basketball players is headed to UCLA.

Shabazz Muhammad announced Wednesday he would play for the Bruins next year.

The 6-foot-6 highly recruited wing had narrowed his list of finalists to include Kentucky and Duke.

Muhammad is a senior at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas but trimmed the hometown UNLV Runnin' Rebels and Kansas from his list in recent days.

Muhammad says it came down to his comfort level with the coaching staff. He wants to help UCLA rebuild after a couple of down years. He is one of the nation's top prep prospects and is ranked number one by some recruiting services.

He made his announcement in a live broadcast televised by ESPNU.

Updated April 11, 2012