Exclusive: A Glimpse of the future of Arizona Basketball with Signee Ira Lee

By Shereen Rayan | Feb 22, 2017

Nov 30, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller calls to his players during the second half against the Texas Southern Tigers at McKale Center. Arizona won 85-63. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Ira Lee just finished up his high school career last Friday night, and he is looking ahead to stepping foot on the University of Arizona campus.

Power Forward Ira Lee is the most recent Arizona Basketball commit to sign on the dotted line, officially becoming a big part of the class of 2017. The 6-foot-8 225-pound senior just played in his last high school game in California. Lee’s next stop is Tucson, Arizona, his home state, and he cannot wait to get there.

Prior to Tucson, Lee’s first stop will be the weight room, so he has his priorities in order. He wants to bring Showtime to Arizona, and by all means, he has the skills and desire to do it. He can dunk, shoot a three, defend, and lead his team.

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Ira ranks as the No. 9 power forward in the nation in his class. He also had offers from Oregon and Cal, and he did visit those schools. All three schools were included in his top five, along with Texas and Maryland.

Lee went to visit Arizona with his teammate Shareef O’Neal attending the Red and Blue game. He told ZZ there was no other school he was interested in, so he committed to Sean Miller because Miller had offered him as a freshman in high school and they had a close relationship.

Find out more from this exclusive interview with Ira Lee, he was extremely happy to talk to Wildcats fans:

ESPN’s Adam Finklestein describes Ira as having a high motor and more:

"Lee is an interior forward with a relentless motor. He plays exceptionally hard, brings toughness to both ends of the floor and an infectious energy that raises the level of those around him. He’s a good athlete and emphatic finisher who specializes at making momentum changing plays. He has an excellent left hand and is equally capable of putting the ball down and finishing hard to either side."

Highlights from the Crossroads (Signee Ira Lee and target Shareef O’Neal) vs. Mater Dei (Target Bol Bol) Open Division CIF playoff game:

https://twitter.com/MattyK31/status/828019827461677057

Must Read: Shareef O’Neal absolutely has Arizona Basketball on his FINAL list of schools

What I value most is a commitment, once you are committed, you give it everything you have and never waver. That’s Ira Lee, he wanted to come to Arizona, and he never wavered. After meeting this humble and versatile athlete, I can see what Miller sees in him, and I really can’t wait to see what he can bring to the Cats. Bear Down Ira!

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