Zona Zealots
Fansided

Arizona Basketball and the international recruiting wave

By Eric Townsend

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 21: Arizona Wildcats mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat performs at center court before the start of the NCAA college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Northern Colorado Bears at McKale Center on November 21, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats beat the Bears 71-55. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 21: Arizona Wildcats mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat performs at center court before the start of the NCAA college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Northern Colorado Bears at McKale Center on November 21, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats beat the Bears 71-55. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With the Arizona Basketball having a lot of focus on their recruiting class for 2021 and 2022, the Wildcats are seeing an international recruiting wave.

Who doesn’t love seeing talented, international players coming to Tucson? After all, the Arizona Basketball program has seen a decent amount of success in recruiting players from outside the United States.

Over the years we have seen international greats come through the University of Arizona. Guys like; Lauri Markkanen, Deandre Ayton, Josh Green, and Ivan Radenovic among numerous others.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

And it looks like that trend isn’t stopping any time soon either!

If you were paying attention this off-season, the Wildcats brought in seven commitments in the class of 2020, six of those recruits all being international players.

Now if you look towards 2021 and 2022, and the Wildcats could be adding even more international players.

In case you don’t remember, we did already highlight a few of Arizona’s main international targets. Guys like; Moussa Diabate, Sadraque Nganga, and ND Okafor among others.

Well, it seems like the Wildcats also have their eyes on another one! Meet 2021 French wing, Armel Traore.

A four-star small forward, the 6-foot-8-inch, 220-pound prospect is already up to six offers, with the Wildcats being one of the most recent teams in join in this recruitment!

Already, Armel is gaining a lot of attention, and particularly seems to be coming from the Pac-12 the most, as he also possesses offers from Arizona State, Washington and Washington State, among Memphis and Saint Mary’s as well!

Armel is a lengthy and talented athlete that is quickly rising in the class of 2021, and according to Rivals Basketball Recruiting Analyst Corey Evans, he is truly emerging as a high-major prospect.

He has great length and athleticism, which gives enough versatility to not only play, but also guard multiple positions.

Armel is a skilled player, being able to score at all three levels. He can shoot, defend, make plays in transition, while also being able to find the open man on the court. Just by watching him, you can see the talent!

More. On Arizona Basketball Recruiting. light

At Zona Zealots, we’re hopeful that the Wildcats can make an impact in this recruitment here! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

Home/Basketball Recruiting