Recruiting is a Priority for Arizona Basketball this Offseason

With the 2017-18 season officially over, Sean Miller and the Arizona Basketball team shifts focus to recruiting and building for next year.

It has been a rough few weeks for Arizona Basketball, as fans saw their dreams of a deep tournament run dashed away early. Before that, there was plenty of uncertainty in regards to Sean Miller’s future in Tucson.

The all but infamous article written by ESPN has done its damage, despite its source being unfounded. The ripple affect that still has shaken Arizona to its core.

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The result? The highly touted commitments of Shareef O’Neal and Brandon Williams are but distant memories at this juncture, as the both of them de-committed. O’Neal instead is heading to UCLA, while the Wildcats are hoping to regain the commitment of Williams.

To top this all off, since the tournament loss, there have been plenty of rumors that have circulated about Miller potentially going to Pitt, his alma mater. Luckily for us, those rumors were learned to be a bit exaggerated and unsubstantiated.

As of Tuesday morning, Jeff Capel of Duke officially took the job. So the rumors of Miller potentially taking a job elsewhere can subside… at least for now.

Nonetheless, I’m sure the extra media attention certainly doesn’t help at this point either.

Now officially into the heart of the off-season, Miller and the Wildcats can focus on rebuilding the program.

While Arizona loses a bevvy of talent from this past season, the Wildcats do return six players from last season, with the hopes of navigating this program through some uncertain and potentially tumultuous times soon.

However, the Wildcats still are considered a top program, and there are plenty of selling points.

First of all, Arizona is a top program, their name holds a lot of weight for potential, incoming recruits, especially grad transfers.

Secondly, there is plenty of playing time to go around. With only six returning, eligible scholarship players, there’s certainly opportunity to come in and play significant minutes.

Lastly, if the Wildcats could put together a decent roster, there’s a very good likelihood Arizona contends for another NCAA Tournament appearance.

With FBI trials not happening until next year, it is unlikely the NCAA moves forward with any punishments, without knowing all the facts, and or rulings in that trial.

With that said, here are few players the Wildcats either should, could or are looking at (*note there are grad transfers in this list who would be eligible to play immediately).

High School Recruits for 2018

One of the highest rated, un-committed recruits for the class of 2018, Jordan Brown should a high priority for the Wildcats.

Given this, Miller and Arizona seemingly have interest, and have made a significant push to enter this recruitment late. Brown holds numerous offers, and based on 247’s predictions, Stanford and Cal are considered the favorites here, but with some time until signing day, who knows what could happen?

Brown would provide an immediate impact and immediate depth for Arizona. He’s got a big frame that could easily add weight and still be highly effective, and hypothetically speaking, if he were to come to Arizona, he could line-up alongside Chase Jeter and/or Ira Lee in certain line-ups.

He has great touch around the rim, is rather smooth with his footwork and is also a tenacious rebounder.

Watch his highlights below!

Brandon Williams is the one player who should be priority number one from here on out. He is still very much considering Arizona we assume from his social posts, although Oregon, Gonzaga and ASU have made a significant push of late.

Sure, maybe he maybe his family is trying to protect his career and wanted to take a step back because they can.  Brandon is looking out for himself, and understandably so. Wildcat fans shouldn’t turn on Brandon just because he decided to take a step back.

He’s a great kid, with great athleticism, and if he does end up in Tucson, he would be a fan favorite instantly. He would be a great replacement for the senior Parker Jackson-Cartwright, or even perhaps even a slight upgrade.

He could truly help this team next season, and Arizona should do whatever it can to try and regain his commitment if possible.

Check out his highlights below:

One of the top uncommitted players left in the Class of 2018, Devonaire Doutrive is a very solid player with a knack for scoring. He’s long, athletic and versatile and could play some point guard if need be.  He has a solid offer sheet, and should he come to Arizona, he could certainly provide immediate depth and scoring.

According to 247sports, Doutrive also has offers from Georgetown and ASU.

Check out his highlights below:

Another top guard in the class of 2018, James Akinjo is a former UCONN commit, and a potentially good late addition for the Wildcats should they pull this one off.

Sean Miller and Arizona have already reached out to Akinjo, and are working to make up some ground in this recruitment.

He’s a quick and shifty guard with court vision and decent touch on his jumper. He’s able to drive to the basket well, and should Arizona miss out on some of its other targets and land Akinjo, he would be a good late addition to this class.

Check out his highlights:

Grad Transfers 

Ryan Taylor is the high-scoring guard from Evansville is perhaps the top grad transfer for 2018. He was the do-it-all guard for the Aces, but the senior-to-be is looking to play his final season of eligibility elsewhere.

He will certainly have many suitors, and Arizona should be one of those if Arizona and Miller decide to pursue him aggressively.

He’s a great talent, and should he land in Tucson, that would be huge for the Wildcats!

Check out his highlights and Interview with Evansville below!

Joseph Chartouny is a name that should be more widely known. His numbers aren’t going to jump out at you, but when I think Chartouny, I think McConnell 2.0.

He’s a guy that fills up the stat sheet, possesses all the intangibles and could potentially be a great leader at Arizona. The Wildcats are going to be in dire need of veteran leadership, and Chartouny could definitely provide that in my opinion.

Check out his highlights below:

Aaron Calixte is the scoring-minded point guard with tons of college experience. A standout player for Maine this past season, he is going to be a hot commodity for a number of teams seeking his services for his final collegiate season.

He fills out the stat sheet well, and Arizona needs to fill out its roster. The Wildcats are reportedly interested and have reached out to Calixte, and he could be a legit and viable option.

Check out Aaron’s highlights below:

Ryan Luther should be on of the more sought after transfers for 2018. A standout player for Pitt, Luther decided to take his talents elsewhere, and use his final season of eligibility with a different program.

He’s a mature, big bodied post man who could provide an immediate impact for Arizona. He rebounds well, can score and would be a big addition for 2018-19!

Already, Arizona is considered to be a real player in this recruitment!

Check out his highlights below:

Trey Porter recently decided to transfer from Old Dominion and while it’s hard to gauge whether Arizona has interest here, he’s a least another name to look at.

He put up very solid numbers and has great size should the Wildcats decide to pursue him. The Wildcats need talent, Porter has it!

He’s got great size and athleticism and can certainly provide immediate talent and depth!

Check out Trey’s highlights:

The big forward/ post player from Illinois is transferring from Illinois. We’re not sure if Arizona has any involvement or will with Michael Finke, but he’s a solid player and one that should be considered in my opinion.

The Senior-to-be was a solid role player for Illinois last season, and should the Wildcats pursue, I have no doubt he could come in and continue to be a reliable player. He possesses great size and maturity and could compliment Arizona’s post.

Check out his highlights below:

Must Read: More on Arizona Basketball Recruiting

At Zona Zealots, we are interested in seeing how this all plays out. Unfortunately, Arizona is in a tough position, but they can certainly make up some ground here and put together a solid roster! Bear Down, Arizona!