Five-star forward T.J. Leaf commits to UCLA, capping a strong class

T.J. Leaf, a five-star forward from San Diego Foothills Christian, has committed to UCLA, Leaf announced Thursday afternoon on ESPNU.

Leaf is likely the last signee in a recruiting class that will be among the best in the nation. UCLA signed three players on Wednesday, including another five-star recruit, point guard Lonzo Ball.

Leaf initially had committed to Arizona before reversing course this summer. He is the third member of the Compton Magic AAU team to sign with the Bruins in the last two days.

“Every time I go there, it just felt like home,” Leaf said on the ESPNU broadcast.

Leaf was rated the No. 17 recruit in his class by 247Sports.com’s composite ranking, which aggregates the major recruiting services. Ball was ranked eighth.

After the announcement, Josh Gershon, a recruiting analyst for Scout.com, tweeted “#UCLA getting a really skilled PF in T.J Leaf. Can face up from midrange, drive, rebound and pass. Bruins cement big time class.”

After a lull, UCLA’s recruiting machine has begun to pull even with other national powers. UCLA’s class, which is stocked exclusive with Southern California recruits, is ranked fourth in the 247sports.com’s composite rankings, behind Duke, Kentucky and Michigan State. With three 2017 commitments, that year’s class is ranked No. 1 in the nation.

If no players jump early to the NBA next season, UCLA will be at 14 scholarship players, one over the limit, which may require Coach Steve Alford to take Bryce Alford, his son, off scholarship.

Twitter: @zhelfand