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Why Ben Mathurin could end up being Arizona’s best freshman

By Eric Townsend

TUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 8: Arizona Wildcats mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat performs during a timeout during the college basketball game against the UCLA Bruins at McKale Center on February 8, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. The Bruins beat the Wildcats 82-74. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - FEBRUARY 8: Arizona Wildcats mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat performs during a timeout during the college basketball game against the UCLA Bruins at McKale Center on February 8, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. The Bruins beat the Wildcats 82-74. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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With a ways to go until the start of the 2020-21 Arizona Basketball season, we analyze why we think Ben Mathurin could be the best freshman!

I know it’s way too early to start talking Arizona Basketball and making bold predictions, especially without much known at this point. Nonetheless with months to go until the start of the 2020-21 season, our first prediction involves incoming freshman, Ben Mathurin.

For those that may not know that much about him, he was the second commit in the class of 2020, and comes in as bit of a mystery.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Rated as a four-star wing, Ben has been steadily climbing the recruiting ranks as he came initially as the No. 72 overall recruit, before moving up to his current ranking of No. 48 according to 247Sports.

A standout out for the NBA Academy Latin America, not just anybody can join, as the Academy has produced talents like; Santiago Vescovi (Tennessee), Francisco Farabello (TCU) and highly-regarded 2021 recruit and potential NBA Draft pick, Mojave King among others.

The Academy has been a great bridge in providing opportunities for international players to showcase their talent and have more opportunities to get recruited.

And for a player like Ben, his bright future is certainly ahead of him!

Garnering offers from Arizona, Baylor and Washington State, we can just be thankful he didn’t garner more interest from other teams, making it more difficult for Arizona.

His upside is off the charts, and the mere fact he jumped nearly 30 spots in the latest class rankings, should be an indication that there’s something the scouts like.

Standing 6-feet-6-inches and 190 pounds, from first glance, he’s got the ideal frame, size and length that could make him a great fit for Sean Miller’s system!

His length will allow him to be incredibly versatile, and already Ben is good playmaker and scorer, being able to score at all three levels, although his shot could use some improvement. He’s a natural on the court, plays smart and is also great in transition.

Because of that, I think he just may be Arizona’s best freshman next season! Just look at his potential already!

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At Zona Zealots, we’re excited for the potential that Benedict has and can’t wait to see him finally suit up! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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