Huge get as Turner commits to the UofA

[Lefty]

What a weekend, the football team beats #11 Iowa and now Turner commits to Sean Miller, this per GoAZCats.com. This recruiting class is a top-10.

 

[Russ Smith]

Congrats to the UA fans. He's a terrific player, was hoping he'd pick UCLA
but I think some of the comments from his mom made it clear UCLA wasn't
the favorite because of that period where they backed off thinking he didn't
have the grades.

Hope UCLA can get Cook or Hinds. Very glad Turner didn't go out of the Pac 10
to Kansas or somewhere else, wanted him to be a Bruin but if he wouldn't
be I'm glad he's in the Pac 10.

 

[overseascardfan]

To be very honest I hoped UA got Turner instead of Quinn, just think he's more of a pure point where IMO Quinn is more of a scoring guard. Plus Turner has always seem to give the impression he wanted to go to UA thus beating Quinn to the commitment. I feel Quinn ends up at Duke with Austin Rivers. With Turner in the fold it will be interesting to see what happens next. Conventional wisdom says UA is done for 2011 but if Nash wants to come, Miller isn't going to turn him away. Would Miller take another post (Amir Williams, Norvel Pelle & Angelo Chol) if they decide to commit or take his chances in trying to land Ashley in '12. Ashley has to have us at or near the top of his list after the Johnson & Turner commitments but with Williams likely to leave after this year and UA being on a recruiting roll do they secure another good post now to go along with Sidiki for the 2012 season. These questions will be answered by the end of October.

 

[Russ Smith]

To be very honest I hoped UA got Turner instead of Quinn, just think he's more of a pure point where IMO Quinn is more of a scoring guard. Plus Turner has always seem to give the impression he wanted to go to UA thus beating Quinn to the commitment. I feel Quinn ends up at Duke with Austin Rivers. With Turner in the fold it will be interesting to see what happens next. Conventional wisdom says UA is done for 2011 but if Nash wants to come, Miller isn't going to turn him away. Would Miller take another post (Amir Williams, Norvel Pelle & Angelo Chol) if they decide to commit or take his chances in trying to land Ashley in '12. Ashley has to have us at or near the top of his list after the Johnson & Turner commitments but with Williams likely to leave after this year and UA being on a recruiting roll do they secure another good post now to go along with Sidiki for the 2012 season. These questions will be answered by the end of October.

Turner can really score himself, averaged about 25 Ppg last year, had 46 in one big game in LA.

I haven't seen Cook play in a real game, just video, so I can't judge him. Josiah is one of those guys who has a knack for when and where to give the ball up, makes people around him better, but he's also really good at getting to the rim.

 

[HooverDam]

Good get for UA. Somewhat surprising considering Johnson is already there, but I guess he'll play the 2 full time for the most part. I suppose his potentially NBA career will be as a combo guard back up type a la Barbosa or Jason Terry.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Huge commitment, UA will be a top 10 team in 2011-2012.

 

[TJ]

I gotta think the nature of the football crowd last night played a HUGE role in having him commit. That place was rockin'!

 

[overseascardfan]

Turner can really score himself, averaged about 25 Ppg last year, had 46 in one big game in LA.

I haven't seen Cook play in a real game, just video, so I can't judge him. Josiah is one of those guys who has a knack for when and where to give the ball up, makes people around him better, but he's also really good at getting to the rim.

I look at Turner and see Andre Miller with a little better jump shot. I think he will be better than Abdul Gaddy who defected from UA a couple of years ago.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

I gotta think the nature of the football crowd last night played a HUGE role in having him commit. That place was rockin'!

It didn't hurt, but recruits like this aren't won over by a couple hours of fun at a football game and an afterparty. It's by working countless hours establishing the right relationships with Josiah and the people in his life that help him make his decision.

Next up LeBryan Nash. That guy can easily play the 4 in college, even in today's NBA for that matter.

 

[HooverDam]

It sure is going to be fun watching the wing players in the Arizona rivalry the next few years. Im already looking forward to seeing Carson, Hawkins, King and Lockett vs Turner, Johnson, et al.

Speaking of the 'et al', obviously Turner and Johnson will likely be due playing time almost immediately. Any guesses on which, if any, players UA ends up losing to transfers?

 

[Russ Smith]

I look at Turner and see Andre Miller with a little better jump shot. I think he will be better than Abdul Gaddy who defected from UA a couple of years ago.

He's further along than Gaddy that's for sure. the first time I saw Gaddy last year I said why was this kid so highly rated, he's very physically immature. I know Gaddy is young for his class but he looks REALLY young, needs to really work on his body to get stronger. Turner is much more physically developed.

Turner is NOT a great shooter but I think he shoots it well enough. If you look at his HS stats you think scorer who doesn't pass(3.5 APG) but that's just what the team needed from him, he's a terrific passer when he's playing with teammates that can finish.

THe UCLA boards are in full meltdown mode, this is going to lead to Howland getting ultimately fired, Turner is a bad student that's why he didn't pick us, they did this on purpose to get revenge for UCLA backing off earlier etc. That's the part I hate, everyone wants the kid, he picks another school, and then they trash the kid.

 

[Renz]

The UCLA boards are in full meltdown mode, this is going to lead to Howland getting ultimately fired, Turner is a bad student that's why he didn't pick us, they did this on purpose to get revenge for UCLA backing off earlier etc. That's the part I hate, everyone wants the kid, he picks another school, and then they trash the kid.

Fans are too funny sometimes. Yeah, I'm sure Turner's criteria for picking a college was how badly he could stick it to UCLA.

Similar reaction by KU fans to Turner's announcement. "If he doesn't want to be here, we don't want him", trashing the UA program etc.

I'm sure a lot of UA fans would have done the same thing if he hadn't picked the Cats.

 

[Russ Smith]

Fans are too funny sometimes. Yeah, I'm sure Turner's criteria for picking a college was how badly he could stick it to UCLA.

Similar reaction by KU fans to Turner's announcement. "If he doesn't want to be here, we don't want him", trashing the UA program etc.

I'm sure a lot of UA fans would have done the same thing if he hadn't picked the Cats.

To be fair it HAS happened once to UCLA, with Tayshaun Prince. UCLA got a commit from his older brother Tommie, but he had a discrepancy on his SAT test and refused to re-take it when UCLA said they wanted him to. UCLA dropped him, he went to ASU and people probably remember he had some "issues" in his career. Few years later there was a big story about a racket on the West Coast where they were arranging to have people take tests for elite HS athletes from all over the country, they'd fly in to LA and then fly out with a passing SAT score. And on the list of players whose test was taken for him was... Tommie Prince.

Anyhow Tayshaun acted all along like he really liked UCLA and then at his presser to pick a school he picked KEntucky and said he was just faking interest in UCLA all along to get back at them for what they did to his brother. Again, his brother cheated on the test, the dummies kept records of the whole scam so when they got caught, the names were readily available.

I sure don't think Turner did anything like that I like the kid. His HS coach said he wasn't surprised, he'd talked to him recently and said he was exhausted, he's flying around more than a pro right now, he just wants to make a decision so he can focus on his senior year of HS.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

It sure is going to be fun watching the wing players in the Arizona rivalry the next few years. Im already looking forward to seeing Carson, Hawkins, King and Lockett vs Turner, Johnson, et al.

Speaking of the 'et al', obviously Turner and Johnson will likely be due playing time almost immediately. Any guesses on which, if any, players UA ends up losing to transfers?

Probably nobody if Derrick Williams leaves, if not I think Lavender and Jacobsen are on track to graduate early and will open up the scholi's.

You also have to remember that while Turner likely plays immediately, at the level Arizona will be playing at come 2011 Johnson won't be anything more than a role player as a true freshman. My guess is DB plays more of a 3 in this offense as a spot shooter also. Jordin Mayes will transfer if he gets beat out by the freshmen midway through the 2011 I'd assume.

If we get LeBryan Nash then all of this of course has to be re-evaluated. Arizona is in his final two.

 

[Russ Smith]

The other nice thing about getting Turner is it has to increase UA's chances of getting Brandon Ashley since they have now 2 guys from his AAU team. Someone told me Ashley posted something on twitter this weekend that suggested he's really high on Kentucky. But I really think the stuff with Bledsoe, Kanter and Anthony Davis is going to hurt UK. Eventually kids are going to say look its a matter of time before UK gets nailed, I don't want to be there when it happens?

 

[TJ]

It didn't hurt, but recruits like this aren't won over by a couple hours of fun at a football game and an afterparty. It's by working countless hours establishing the right relationships with Josiah and the people in his life that help him make his decision.

I think it is an add on to what you just said because you want to play for a fanbase that's loud and vibrant. Just so happened that the weekend he came out was when we played Iowa at home. Experiencing Zona Zoo is tremendous IMO. I dont pretend to be a basketball player at any level, but if I were being recruited, i would hope the fanbase was like that. It's not like this is the NBA where we are recruiting free agents and $$$$ is the #1 priority, so you have to sell these kids on the intangibles. That's one of them.

Next up LeBryan Nash. That guy can easily play the 4 in college, even in today's NBA for that matter.

 

[Timm Rosenbach]

I think it is an add on to what you just said because you want to play for a fanbase that's loud and vibrant. Just so happened that the weekend he came out was when we played Iowa at home. Experiencing Zona Zoo is tremendous IMO. I dont pretend to be a basketball player at any level, but if I were being recruited, i would hope the fanbase was like that. It's not like this is the NBA where we are recruiting free agents and $$$$ is the #1 priority, so you have to sell these kids on the intangibles. That's one of them.

Its the best atmosphere on campus that we have had since 1998. It helps basketball and football recruiting. The football team signed a good wide receiver prospect today who also attended the game. This weekend was a heck of a sales pitch

 

[Russ Smith]

I mentioned this to Mao offline but I thought I'd share it. Says a lot about Miller's recruiting ability. The claim on UCLA boards is that people close to the program say Turner had indicated to UCLA on his visit there, that he was likely coming to Westwood. He didn't commit of course, but led them to believe he was seriously contemplating doing so soon.

And yet a week later, Miller got him to commit on his visit to UA.

I don't see any point in that as spin because it actually makes UCLA look worse suggesting a recruit was all but theirs but another coach got him anyways. But it says a lot for Miller's ability to "close" with a recruit.

 

[Renz]

Sac High's Turner tells why he chose Arizona basketball

By Bill Paterson
[email protected]
Published: Wednesday, Sep. 22, 2010

A combination of a weekend visit that felt right plus the taxing grind of a lengthy recruiting process led Sacramento High's Josiah Turner to verbally commit to Arizona on Sunday.

The 6-foot-3 point guard, considered the 10th-best player nationally in the Class of 2011 by www.rivals.com, announced Sunday he would play for the Wildcats and second-year coach Sean Miller.

"Everything fell together over the weekend," said Doris Ward, Turner's mother. "Saturday night he told me, 'I've found the place.' The next morning at breakfast we met with coach Miller, and Josiah said, 'This is where I want to be.' "

Turner said he was both relieved and excited, even though he left Louisville, UCLA, Oregon and Kansas feeling like spurned suitors.

"It's the best fit for me," Turner said. "Sean and I have a great relationship. The coaching staff is young, and I bonded with the team."

After his decision, Turner, who had already taken official visits to Louisville and UCLA, canceled scheduled trips to Oregon on Oct. 2 and Kansas on Oct. 15. The Jayhawks were viewed as the front-runners to land Turner, and Kansas coach Bill Self visited Turner's home on Sept. 13.

Turner called Self after his decision.

"His reaction was bad," Turner said. "It was really tough. When it came down to it, Arizona is closer to the West Coast, and it's going to be easier for my family to see me play."

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/09/22/3047346/sac-highs-turner-tells-why-he.html#ixzz10GRRW3ic

 

[Mr. Boldin]

It was pretty obvious that when Turner got out of Westwood and an in-home with Self without committing to either, things were looking very good for UA.

Once Miller made a second trip to Sacramento, the writing was on the wall.

 

[overseascardfan]

The other nice thing about getting Turner is it has to increase UA's chances of getting Brandon Ashley since they have now 2 guys from his AAU team. Someone told me Ashley posted something on twitter this weekend that suggested he's really high on Kentucky. But I really think the stuff with Bledsoe, Kanter and Anthony Davis is going to hurt UK. Eventually kids are going to say look its a matter of time before UK gets nailed, I don't want to be there when it happens?

This is what concerns me. UA looks to be putting all their eggs in the Ashley basket and while it looks like a good stragedy with Turner and Johnson in the fold, he could wind up somewhere else. UA is kind of stuck right now without any schollies left for an impact post like Pelle, Chol or Williams or an elite guy like Nash. Nash will end his recruitment in a month and even if one or all of the posts make it to spring, they all will most likely remove UA from there lists after being told to look elsewhere by UA. Hopefully UA has a backup plan to Ashley in 2012.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

Have you read any of the quotes Pelle has given? This guy is out there... He compared himself as a Garnett/Durant mix, thats all that needs to be said about him.

Nothing good can come from over-signing by 3 before we ever start this season.

Lets not forget how good the coaches have done in the spring signing period. I have no problem with waiting until then to see how the scholarship situation works itself our, especially because we still have out in home with Chol this month and he is expected to sign late.

Also, if you expected Nash to come in here and give us a commitment, you are forgetting we just recently attempted to recruit him.

FInally, I dont look at it as putting all our eggs in Ashley's basket. He is in a different recruiting class and will likely be a top 10 player in that class. Throw in the fact we just landed two of his teammates and are doing very well with him and you see why the coaches are doing this.

 

[overseascardfan]

Have you read any of the quotes Pelle has given? This guy is out there... He compared himself as a Garnett/Durant mix, thats all that needs to be said about him.

Nothing good can come from over-signing by 3 before we ever start this season.

Lets not forget how good the coaches have done in the spring signing period. I have no problem with waiting until then to see how the scholarship situation works itself our, especially because we still have out in home with Chol this month and he is expected to sign late.

Also, if you expected Nash to come in here and give us a commitment, you are forgetting we just recently attempted to recruit him.

FInally, I dont look at it as putting all our eggs in Ashley's basket. He is in a different recruiting class and will likely be a top 10 player in that class. Throw in the fact we just landed two of his teammates and are doing very well with him and you see why the coaches are doing this.

I've read Pelle's quotes, haven't seen him play but scouting reports say he's more polished on defense than offense. He is ranked higher than Sidiki, not that I am saying he is better than Sidiki. I actually prefer Chol or Williams anyway.

The thing about spring recruiting is that recruits have to be un-signed at the time, Miller & Co have done well but they have stated they will not poach on commited players. Chol is the only prospect on UA's radar that will probably be available in the spring.

Nash was upset when told UA would not be able to accomodate a visit. If he wasn't interested he probably wouldn't have cared. He is ending his recruitment barring any last minute developments (like if he would have had a great visit at UA) in October (3 weeks). He could have very well commited here if he wanted to.

Lastly, rumblings are that Ashley is supposedly high on UK (which most kids are), that is an uphill battle barring UK getting slammed by sanctions. Even with teammates on board, UA better have a Plan B just in case.

 

[Mr. Boldin]

I've read Pelle's quotes, haven't seen him play but scouting reports say he's more polished on defense than offense. He is ranked higher than Sidiki, not that I am saying he is better than Sidiki. I actually prefer Chol or Williams anyway.

Ive read a few intereviews with him and he is either

A. Playing this thing out despite knowing where he is going, just so he can have the attention.

B. Has Ndudi Ebi syndrome, and thinks he is by far the best player in the class.

The thing about spring recruiting is that recruits have to be un-signed at the time, Miller & Co have done well but they have stated they will not poach on commited players. Chol is the only prospect on UA's radar that will probably be available in the spring.

Take a look back over the years and see how many top 75 guys didnt decide until the spring or were let out of their commitments due to coaching changes. There will be a handful of guys Miller will target in the spring, Chol being one of them.

Nash was upset when told UA would not be able to accomodate a visit. If he wasn't interested he probably wouldn't have cared. He is ending his recruitment barring any last minute developments (like if he would have had a great visit at UA) in October (3 weeks). He could have very well commited here if he wanted to.

Based on what I have heard, he is a little egotistical and im not so sure Miller has pushing to land him. If Miller really thought he had a shot to land him and wanted him bad enough, he would have hosted him on the official. Miller is a moral guy, but I dont think any coach in the country would turn down a visit from a top 5 player if both parties were serious about the situation.

Again, I dont know for sure, but I doubt Nash was telling Miller yeah you have a good shot. Lets take this visit and I will seriously consider you. You just dont make up that kind of ground in recruiting a top 5 player in a matter of a few weeks.

Lastly, rumblings are that Ashley is supposedly high on UK (which most kids are), that is an uphill battle barring UK getting slammed by sanctions. Even with teammates on board, UA better have a Plan B just in case.

Im sure Miler has a plan B, but after landing Turner and Johnson, UA has just a good a shot as anyone else in his recruitment. He has to be your #1 priority, especially considering all the connections Miller has to him as of his Junior year.