UCLA recruiting today received a verbal commitment from a very good potential backcourt mate to their earlier recruit Zach Lavine, who has the potential to be something special. According to reports, UCLA just recruited another top player (#51 in ESPN rankings), Allerik Freeman.

Allerik is one of the more unique players in the Class of 2013. He can play the 2 or the 3. He has the ability to create as a passer. He possesses an exceptionally strong upper body and can best be described as a power wing player.

Freeman was on the list of many top schools. The Zags blog writes:

He Tweeted: "I'm officially a UCLA Bruin, thank you too all the people who supported me and especially my family! All love. Long way to go though."

Freeman, who transferred to Findlay from Charlotte (N.C.) Olympic for his senior season, was to have taken visits to Ohio State (Sept. 15), Villanova (Sept. 28) and Duke (Oct. 19) and Kansas but those won't be necessary now.

"You look at his body, he's got good guard skills, he can handle it. . . "On top of that he's a tremendous scorer. He's got a great mid-range and great long-range game. Once he works on on finishing at the rim, he'll be a tremendous triple-threat."

Scout.com implies that Freeman is a strong combo guard. While UCLA still does not have a legit point guard for 2013 (assuming Kyle Anderson leaves) they are recruiting some good passers and shooters in Lavine and Freeman:

Freeman made some impressive strides with his game from his sophomore summer to his junior summer. The 6-foot-4 combo guard prospect developed his body and is significantly stronger. A talented passer, Freeman is especially effective in transition where he can make plays for himself and others. By the end of the 2011 summer, Freeman had developed a legit jump shot and is a guy that can play both guard spots.

This was unexpected and a big success for Ben Howland and crew. It is of note that he is recruiting players who are very good shooters and comfortable running. It is also continuing a trend of non-Californians. Kudos to Howland and staff.