Last season was disastrous for the Pac-12, and it showed on draft night. Just three Pac-12 players were selected in the 2012 NBA draft.

Usual NBA production factories like UCLA and Arizona were left out in the cold. Washington's Terrence Ross was the only Pac-12 player drafted in the lottery.

This season, things look much better for the Pac-12, thanks in large part to stellar recruiting classes for UCLA and Arizona.

I spoke with a number of NBA scouts to get a take on five players they'll be scouting closely in the Pac-12 this season. Here's the breakdown:

1. Shabazz Muhammad, G/F, Fr., UCLA
Top 100 Ranking: 3

If ruled eligible by the NCAA, Muhammad has a terrific shot at being the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA draft. He's blessed with elite athleticism, a motor that runs nonstop and plenty of tools on both ends of the floor -- scouts say he's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with more offensive game.