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Arizona Basketball Recruiting: 2020 Josh Christopher playing with men at Nike Air West

ByShereen Rayan|
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Nick Young
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Nick Young

Class of 2020 sophomore Josh Christopher already has offers from USC, UCLA, Oregon, Cal and Arizona Basketball, and those are just a few.

Arizona Basketball commits Brandon Williams and Shareef O’Neal as well as Arizona Freshman Deandre Ayton all hail from Cal Supreme AAU Basketball. They have a underclassman that is turning heads and has a bunch of Pac-12 offers including Arizona.

Josh and his brother Caleb played with Shareef O’Neal for Shaq (coach) this past summer in the Bigfoot Vegas tournament.

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I was at the Air West Nike courts in Los Angeles for the regular NBA/Drew League pickup games last week, and we spotted this young phenom who already, like Marvin Bagley Jr., can play with NBA players and hold his own. I was so impressed, I could not resist finding out more about Josh Christopher, and he was happy to open up to Zona Zealots for Wildcats fans.

Specifics:
Class: 2020 Sophomore at Mayfair high school

Height/Weight: 6-foot-4 190 pounds (Yes, Wildcats fans, he is only 15, still growing)

Position: Shooting guard

The Interview:

ZZ: How long have you played basketball? How did you get started?

JC: Basketball just runs in the family! It’s a lifestyle. My father played, then my older sister Paris played D1 at St. Mary’s and my brother Patrick played basketball at Cal Berkeley and the NBA, and my brother Caleb whose 17 alongside with me at Mayfair. It just happened. I’ve been in love with the game ever since I could remember.

ZZ: So this is why Cal is favored on 247 sports then because your brother played there. How much of a factor is that in your decision? I mean you also have USC and Oregon, and the USC Team will be starting over next season and is local…

JC: Considering I’m only 15 I haven’t thought to deep about what college decision would be best for me I’m enjoying and riding the recruitment wave, and Cal is an awesome place. It would be great to someday play for the college my brother was once at but as of now I’m leaving it in Gods hands, and I’m playing ball.

ZZ: What do you think you are strong on and what are you working on in your game?

JC: Scoring the ball in various ways, And I like to make the right play always so if I ever need to make the extra pass I won’t hesitate to throw that ball!

ZZ: What was it like to play with Bobbi Brown? Was he supportive or did he give you tips? Your Air West experience overall?

JC: Air west is really cool! I’m the only kid on the court against all adults, and I think after playing with grown men, who have played professionally, it’ll translate to HS/AAU ball and it’ll be a lot easier. Most kids in my grade aren’t doing that every week. Bobbi Brown was a great teammate. When my shot was falling, he came and told me to come right off of him for a handoff and just..shoot it. Advice from an NBA player like that is a great boost always.

ZZ: Who in the NBA do you pattern your game after?

JC: Lebron James and Nick Young.

ZZ: What specifically about Nick Young game do you like?

JC: I’ve loved Nick’s game for a long time now. He will get buckets, and at the same time he’ll look good doing it and has fun with it as well. He just has the swag. I have known him for some time now that he calls me “Lil Swag.” (Note: Jaygup is his other nickname)

ZZ: What type of coach motivates you the most? What are you looking forward to in choosing a college coach?

JC:  A coach that’s for his players! A coach with energy and somebody that will let me be free and play my game the way it should be played.

ZZ: Tell me about your teams AAU and HS are you especially close to anyone? Is there anyone on any other team you’re dying to take on and beat?

JC:  I’ve played with Cal Supreme since Elementary school, and they’ve been loyal ever since my start. As far as high school, I’m just looking forward to a great season and a potential ring on my finger. No specific team I’m going after, just every team that steps on the court as my Mayfair boys and me.

ZZ: Tell me about your brother Caleb Christopher?

JC: He’s a vicious player and has no fear. He’s underrated and he knows it and he’s okay with it. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and that’s what makes him great in my eyes. Things are moving very quickly as he comes down to making decisions. He’ll be fine.

I just love my brother!

He hasn’t picked up any offers yet, but USC, UTEP, UCSB, Washington State, Colorado are a few more have been checking him out and plan on making moves this season.

ZZ: Other than basketball, do you have any fun facts or a talent that you have that people don’t know about?

JC: People don’t know I played organized soccer and scored seven goals in one game and also have a hidden talent in singing.

ZZ: What music do you like singing?

JC: All sorts of music I can harmonize. Favorite song right now is Rollin’ by Calvin Harris, Future, and Khalid.

ZZ: What are you go-to Kicks to play in right now?

JC: Favorite shoes right now are the Vapormax.

ZZ:  What do you want Wildcats fans to know about you?

JC: I would want wildcat fans to know that if I ever decided to go to college at UofA, they would see a show every time I was on the floor.

Must Read: More on Arizona Basketball from ZZ..

Personally, I had such a fun time watching this baller play with men; you couldn’t tell he was 15, no sir. I am now on the Josh Christopher for Class of 2020 to Arizona bandwagon, COUNT ME IN! We will be keeping up with Josh and look forward to following his recruitment and commitment. Thank you Lil’ Swag for your time and sharing yourself with Wildcats fans!

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