Southern Arizona Basketball Review

Spring Signing Period Begins. UA Set to Ink 2 players today

2010-04-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Spring signing period has begun, and the Wildcats are set to make two new additions to the team for the 2010-2011 season. First, is 6'1" PG/SG Jordin Mayes of Westchester HS in Los Angeles, CA. Mayes is considered to be a solid prospect at the D-1 level. What he will bring to Arizona is a scorers mentality, and someone that has the ability to not only finish at the rim, but someone who can also create his shot off the dribble with his above average speed, and solid ball handling abilities. Mayes should fit well in coach Miller's up-tempto style of offense that is known to spread the floor and allow players to score quickly in transition. To start off, Mayes will more than likely not see a whole lot of time his freshmen year in my book. Depending on what happens with the point guard position, he might have a hard time seeing the hardwood to start his collegiate career. He could see time as Momo Jones' backup, but Mayes isn't your prototypical PG. If he stays at the SG position, he looking at backing up then-to-be Junior Kyle Fogg, and the Wildcats #1 prospect for next year, Daniel Bejarano of Phoenix. Therefore, it seems as if he will be an insurance player until Fogg graduates in 2012.

Boston College and San Diego State were the other teams that offered Mayes a full scholarship. Ranked as a "92", on ESPN's recruting scale.

The Wildcats will also sign JUCO SF/PF Jesse Perry from John A. Logan Community College in Carterville, IL. Perry is a physical post presence in the paint, and can give the Wildcats much needed energy inside considering they lacked any sort of inside presence or production from Jacobson and Natyazhko. Even though Perry is physical, he is still a bit on the small side, with his measurements being 6'7" 210lbs. Much like Mayes, Perry will most likely being used as an insurance player to guys like Solomon Hill, Derrick Williams, and Kevin Parrom.

Arizona will try and sign one more player before the spring singing period is over. PF Kadeem Jack of Queens, NY seems to be the most likely of the players still considering UA. Jack will officially make his decision on April 28th. Arizona currently is listed #1 on his list, but schools such as Connecticut, Arkansas, Miami (FL), and Seton Hall are said to still be in the mix for the high energy PF.

Terrell Stoglin Scouting Report

2010-01-20T11:11:00.001-08:00

Last night I had the pleasure of watching ESPNU top 100 prospect Terrell Stoglin of Santa Rita high school against Amphi in a jam-packed house that saw Amphi win it's 20th straight game 90-76. Even though Santa Rita lost, the #88 prospect in the nation surely did his part on both sides of the ball. For those who are not familiar with Stoglin, he has committed to play for Maryland of the Atlantic Coast Conference next year to for longtime coach Gary Williams.

SCOUTING REPORT

At first glance, Stoglin reminded myself of a shorter, yet stockier version of former Arizona star, and current Portland Trail Blazer, Jerryd Bayless. With out a doubt he has a physique that is years ahead of his age with a strong upper body, and powerful legs that enable him to out jump others when taking a jump shot or going up for a block or rebound. His game is mostly built around his ability to drive to the hoop at will against any type of defender, and since he is left handed, many defenders have to make constant adjustments to handle his abilities. He thrives in the open court, either by taking his defender from coast-to-coast, or dishing out to his other teammates with his above average passing skills. What I was most impressed about Stoglin is his ability to finish at the rim with control and power. Even if he was bumped going up for a lay-up, his body control would enable him to keep his balance and finish for the and one. On the defensive end, he has great hands and has the ability to steal the ball at will. Even though he is a good defender, I wished he would of taken a little more intiative of defense because of the fact that he was able to steal the ball away from mostly everyone of the court. Even though he has great extension of his jump shot, his shot does still need a bit of work and follow through, but that should come around after a few years in college. Overall, Stoglin might be the best player to come out of the Tucson area in quite a while, if you have not seen him play yet, make sure to do so before the season is over. I promise he won't disappoint.

STAT LINE

30 points (12-21 shooting) (1-5 3FG) (5-5 FT)
7 assists
4 steals
2 rebounds
1 block

Arizona inks first recruit for 2010 class

2009-11-13T22:13:00.000-08:00

Arizona continues to land solid prospects to an already impressive 2009 class which includes five top 100 recruits. Daniel Bejanaro, a senior from North H.S in Phoenix, has agreed to play for the Wildcats next season.

Bejanaro is currently listed as the #50 prospect (#15 SG) in the nation for the 2010 class. At first, Bejanaro gave a verbal commitment to play for Texas, but after Texas continued to recruit at his position, combined with a series of unfortunate personal events, the shooting guard decided to stay close to home and play for the up-and-coming Wildcats.

Next year, Bejanaro has the ability to be an immediate impact player at SG. With a 6'4, and a growing 204 lb. frame, he should be able to fit right in at the D-1 level. What he will bring to Arizona is a great shooting touch that can be used either off the dribble, or in a catch & shoot situation. He also has the ability to light it up from the arc with an above average shooting form and a quick trigger. Bejanaro also has shown the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim just as good, if not better, than any other 2-guard in his class.

Overall, Arizona is building a solid program once again with players who have the ability play in Sean Miller's run & gun style offense. Rumors at the moment have Arizona trying to fill one more scholarship for the 2010 class because of the recent departure of Rod Odom to Vanderbilt. Look for the Wildcats to try and add at the PG or Center positions for next year.

Mustafa Shakur lands with D-league team

2009-11-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

Four days ago, former Wildcat star Mustafa Shakur was the first pick of the second round of the NBDL draft. Shakur was drafted by the Tulsa 66ers, the minor league affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Shakur last month was released by the Minnesota Timberwolves after only seeing minimal playing time during the pre-season.

By joining the D-league, Shakur more than likely turned down to play for more money back in Europe. Which means Shakur is trying to make it in the league before his biological clock officially puts an end to that dream.

Shakur's NBA career consists of:
Minnesota Timberwolves pre-season squad: 2009
Los Angeles Lakers- Las Vegas league: 2009
Sacramento Kings- Las Vegas league: 2007
Sacramento Kings pre-season squad: 2007

Mustafa Shakur...officially waived.

2009-10-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Mustafa Shakur today was officially waived today by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This isn't much of a surprise, Shakur played mostly in mop-up duty for the Wolves so far this preseason. Being listed as the #4 PG doesn't help your cause either.

Shakur will most likely sign on for another European team, which is more than likely as far as his basketball career will take him unfortunately. I wish all the best for Mustafa, but an NBA career is falling further and further from reality. I will keep you posted where he lands in the upcoming weeks...

Rod Odom

2009-10-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Today Arizona landed their first major verbal recruit for the 2010-2011 season in SF Rod Odom. Odom is a prospect from Middlesex School in Massachusetts.

Odom is a highly athletic froward that will give the Wildcats options coming off the bench most likely his first season. ESPN has him listed as a "93", and #77 overall for the 2010 class.

Odom posses a very long wingspan, and the ability the take his man off the dribble, or knock down the open mid-range shot. Odom's game also can be used at the 2 position as well, which will give opposing teams fits trying to guard him. One area he must work on is his frame. Currently he is listed at 6'8 195lbs., so he will need to add strength his senior year so he doesn't get dominated in the key once he arrives in Tucson. Overall, the University of Arizona men's basketball program seems to well on their way to dominating the PAC-10 for years to come, and continuing the nation's longest NCAA tournament streak.

Zane Johnson

2009-10-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

After new University of Arizona coach Sean Miller took over at the helm for the Wildcats, Miller has turned the Cats back into a PAC-10 contender because of a heavy influx of commits, some of which had committed to play for Miller at Xavier.

However, SG Zane Johnson decided to transfer out of the University of Arizona, most likely because he wasn't going to see much playing time. Something that became obvious with the majority of the new recruits playing at the 2/3 spot.

In recent news however, Zane Johnson has decided to transfer to the University of Hawaii. Last year Hawaii went 13-17(5-12) in the WAC conference. Johnson will have to sit out the 2009-2010 season since he is staying with a Division one program.

Last year Johnson averaged 4.6 ppg, and 1.8 rpg in 33 games with Arizona. He will bring the Warriors a much needed outside shooter, who specializes in the three point shot. Last year he shot 39.6% from behind the arc, including 78.9 from the free throw line.

Mustafa Shakur (Part 2)

2009-10-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

In my previous article about Shakur, I mentioned that he had completed a lackluster summer for the Los Angeles Lakers summer league squad. However, Shakur did sign a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he is active on their roster...at least for now. In Shakur's first game with the Wolves, he played six minutes, and scored five points on a three pointer and a set of free throws.

Looking at Minnesota's roster, Shakur currently is the #4 point guard behind rookie Johnny Flynn, veteran Antonio Daniels, and Ramon Sessions, who was acquired in the offseason away from Milwaukee. Considering those facts, it again seems like a long shot that Shakur will make the opening night roster for the Wolves. It also doesn't help that the Wolves also have a "combo" guard in rookie Wayne Ellington, who was drafted at the end of the first round from North Carolina.

Currently the Wolves have sixteen players on their pre-season roster. A full active roster contains twelve players, however the team can keep three additional player on the injured reserve (IR). With that being said, all is not lost for Shakur, he could land a spot with the team, even if he is inactive. I will have an update whether or not he makes the team or goes back to his career overseas.

Channing Frye

2009-09-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

This past off-season, the Phoenix Suns made the move to bring back former UofA star, and St. Mary's high school standout, Channing Frye back to Phoenix after stints with the New York Knicks and Portland TrailBlazers. Frye signed a two year deal with the Suns, which will give the Suns some much needed help at the 4/5 position.

After the Shaq trade, the Suns needed to add a veteran in their front court. At the time, Robin Lopez was set to start at Center for the Suns, but now with the Frye signing, he will most likely find his role to be about the same as last year, which consisted of coming off the bench for as much as 30 mins a game, to hardly seeing any playing time.

To start the season, Frye should get the nod at the five spot, while teammate Amare Stoudemire will start at Power Forward. I wonder how to two will mesh however? Considering both like to extend themselves away from the key and look for the open jump shot, or utilize the pick-and-pop. However, you have to keep in mind that the Suns have shopped around Stoudemire since he does not seem to want to re-sign with Phoenix, which means come trading deadline in February, the Suns might have to lean heavily on Frye.

Overall, in my book, the Frye acquisition was a positive one...yet conservative. Frye hasn't been a dominating player in the NBA yet, and that opportunity has probably past. But, what Frye does give you is solid skill play on offense and defense, while giving you versatility to play more than one position for the Suns in the upcoming 2009-2010 season.

Mustafa Shakur

2009-08-25T12:11:00.001-07:00

Some of you might have noticed that Mustafa Shakur played for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer in the NBA summer league in Las Vegas. Even though Mustafa started most of the time, in my opinion he did not show that he is capable of being a productive NBA guard. I understand that the summer league is not a great comparison of real life games in the NBA, but if you cannot dominate the summer league, how do you expect to make a splash in the NBA?

As for his game, he still posses a decent basketball IQ, but still lacks the ability to lead the team effectively as the point guard. Shakur also lacks the ability to play defense at a decent level, something he would almost have to be able to do as a backup point guard for a NBA team.

Overall, Mustafa might be asked to come back to play for the Lakers pre-season squad, which usually consists of about 14-18 players. Even if he does make the preseason squad, he most likely will be released and find himself again wondering if he will even get a shot in the NBA.

It looks as if Shakur will have to accept that his playing career might not ever be able to leave the Euro league teams, which overall isn't all that terrible considering that many mid-level to barely surviving NBA players have decided to leave the NBA for a more comfortable salary in Europe.

Tucson Summer Pro League

2009-08-19T16:37:00.001-07:00

While scouting this years Tucson Summer Pro League, which featured many current or former University of Arizona players, one player stood out to me the most. That player being sophomore guard Garland Judkins. Watching him play in the summer league opened my eyes again to his game, something many fans didn't see as a freshman.

He has a ton of talent, which is why he was rated a "92" by ESPN coming out of high school in Texas. He has a natural feel for the game which is featured by his above average driving ability and his ability to knock down the three, even with someone in his face.

However, when you look at Judkins' "swagger" when he is on the court, you can see the attitude problems that plagued his first year at the UofA. Many times he could have excelled on the defensive end, but rather chose to sit back and watch his other teammates play defense for him while he waits to play once again on offense. Unfortunately, this was just another example of a talented player letting his abilities get to his head.

This year, the University of Arizona has added five 3-4 star players on their roster, which will play a key role in Judkins's playing time, if he decides to stay with the program. Currently, new head coach Sean Miller has said that Judkins will be allowed back on this years team. This review was needed considering Judkins was suspended three separate times last season. His third suspension lasted for the last eleven games of the season, the entire PAC-10 tournament, and the Wildcats' unpredictable Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Overall, Judkins could help this years squad with a quality 2-guard coming off the bench, that is, if his attitude doesn't get in the way again this year. However, do not be surprised if by the end of the fall semester or at the end of this season, Judkins decides to transfer after a disappointing Arizona career.

Sports Management Worldwide's Scouting network

2009-08-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

I have samples of my scouting reports and articles that I have written for Camp Pros, and also as an independent scout in Tucson, AZ. Go to http://www.smwwscout.com/scouts/8. Also, to view my resume, feel free to look at my linkedin profile under the name "Justin Rothbaum".

I am available for any freelance scouting in the Tucson and Phoenix area if needed!

-Justin Rothbaum