Anderson headed westward

While there has been a lot of talk about former UCLA coach and current St. John's coach Steve Lavin raiding the West Coast for recruits, Ben Howland has gone to Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony High School to land elite prospect Kyle Anderson.

After looking closely at Florida, Georgetown, Seton Hall and St. John's along with UCLA, Anderson opted for the West Coast over staying close to home and attending Seton Hall.

"Coach Howland has a great history with his point guards," said Anderson, who is a unique 6-foot-8 point man. "They all seem to be doing well in the NBA. I like the style of play in the Pac-12. It's a great fit for me and a lot just added up."

UCLA also has four-star point guard Dominic Artis in its recruiting class, but Anderson feels confident about how the two can play together.

"The coaches have told me that we will both have the ball in our hands," he said. "I've watched a lot of film of UCLA teams where they have had more than one point guard on the floor. Darren Collison and Jordan Farmar played well together, and then Collison and Russell Westbrook were successful together."

Anderson, whose game is marked by his ability to facilitate and make his teammates better, has always stated his desire to play with talented players in college. With Anderson, the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Rivals150, in the fold, the Bruins will now try to land the No. 1-ranked Shabazz Muhammad.