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UCLA Basketball: The Top 10 Recruiting Classes Since 2000

By Mike Regalado

Jan 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the UCLA Bruins logo before an NCAA basketball game against the Southern California Trojans at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the UCLA Bruins logo before an NCAA basketball game against the Southern California Trojans at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

7. 2008 Recruiting Class

5*: J’mison Morgan, Jrue Holiday

4*: Drew Gordon, Malcolm Lee

3*: Jerime Anderson

This class has so much potential yet was quite disappointing in the long run.  After striking out on a championship in his 3 Final Four runs, Howland changed his approach to recruting and tried to get top prospects rather than players that fit his system.

The most successful player out of this class was Holiday who was unfortunately a one-and-done as there was a logjam at the point guard spot with Collison staying one more year. Holiday has had a successful career in the NBA thus far.

“Bobo” Morgan  was a bust, to say the least. Gordon clashed with Howland and transferred after two seasons. Lee had a pretty decent career but left after three years.  Anderson ran with the wrong crowd his first couple years but was matured in his final two years.

The potential for this class was limitless. Too bad attitudes kept them limited from success.