Looks like J'Mison Morgan is officially in :
UCLA has received a signed grant-in-aid form from high school senior J'Mison Morgan, Bruin head coach Ben Howland announced today.
"I am very, very excited that J'Mison is going to be attending UCLA and be a part of our program," said Howland.
"He is a true center with excellent hands and outstanding overall skills. He is a fine passer, shot blocker and rebounder. J'Mison completes a five-player 2008 class that we believe gives us a great foundation for the future."
Morgan, from South Oak Cliff High in Dallas, TX, joins a UCLA freshman class ranked No. 1 nationally by virtually every recruiting service and website. It includes forward Drew Gordon and guards Jrue Holiday, Jerime Anderson and Malcolm Lee.
The 6-10, 248-pound senior was rated the nation's No. 2 center by Scout.com and the No. 4 player at his position by Rivals.com. He originally signed a letter of intent with LSU but was released from that commitment last month.
While Russell is now officially out (HT Tydides):
Guard Russell Westbrook said today he will sign with an agent, meaning he will remain in the NBA Draft rather than return to UCLA for his junior season.
Westbrook's meteoric rise has seen him elevate to a certain lottery pick in the June 26 draft. He said he will be represented by the Wasserman Media Group, which was founded a decade ago by UCLA graduate Casey Wasserman.
"Yeah, I'm signing,'' Westbrook said. "I've been with them for a while. I don't know when I'll sign (the contract) yet.''
Westbrook, who is projected as a top-12 pick, said he worked out for the New York Knicks, and also has a workout scheduled with the Seattle Sonics.
The 6-foot-3 Westbrook was the Pacific-10 defensive player of the year and averaged 12.7 points per game. He is expected to play point guard in the NBA.
Of the four UCLA underclassmen who declared for the NBA draft, only power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute's status remains in doubt. He has until June 16 to withdraw from the draft.
Good luck to RW and (I guess an official) welcome to Westwood J'Mison (JMM).
GO BRUINS.