Wildcats Land 5-Star Recruit PG Josiah Turner

Josiah Turner has decided to join fellow recruit Nick Johnson at the University of Arizona in what will certainly be a formidable backcourt.

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Wildcats Land 5-Star Recruit PG Josiah Turner

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Wildcats Land 5-Star Recruit PG Josiah Turner

Arizona's 34-27 win over Iowa did more than catapult the Wildcats into the national consciousness, it helped create a new era in Arizona college hoops.

In attendance was highly-touted point guard Josiah Turner. Throughout the month, Turner has been mulling over several schools on his recruitment tour throughout the country. Apparently, he liked what he saw in Tucson enough to a call everything to an abrupt halt. Before leaving Arizona on Sunday, Turner gave the coaching staff a stanch verbal commitment.

"I had a lot of fun here," Turner told the Arizona Republic. "I bonded with everybody. I liked the teammates, the coaches and I got to meet the AD."

Rivals.com lists the 6'3" Turner as a five-star recruit and rates him as the #2 point guard in the class of 2011. Scout.com echoes that sentiment, also labeling him as a five-star recruit and the #5 point guard in the nation.

ESPN.com writes:

Turner is a scoring point guard that knows how to get his own shot. He has a terrific frame for the 1 and he has ideal speed and quickness to blow by his opponent. Early on in his career, he was known as a nifty passer, but he has now added quite the scoring arsenal to his skill set. He has an assortment of scoring skills, particularly off his slick handle, that will bode well for him at the next level. His low crossover, strength, and deceptive burst are highly impressive. He uses his length and mass to ward off defenders getting to the rim and eh does a nice job finishing with his left hand. If the scoring opportunity doesn't present itself he has been known to handing out some slick assists.

Turner is the most physically gifted point guard prospect in the west, regardless of class. He is as good as it gets while taking defenders off the dribble. If his jump shot becomes a legitimate weapon to his offensive repertoire, he could challenge for the No. 1 point guard spot in the country.

Turner is well aware of the expectations that will placed upon him. From Mike Bibby and Jason Terry, to Gilbert Arenas and Jerryd Bayless; Arizona has a long history of producing outstanding young point guards. Yet, it seems as though he welcomes the challenge.

When asked about it, he confidently responded, "I wanted to be a part of the U of A tradition."

Sep 21 2:35p by Shaun Al-Shatti - 0 comments

Original Story

Nick Johnson, Top Basketball Recruit, Commits to UA

Nick Johnson, a top class of 2011 guard prospect currently attending basketball factory Findlay High School in Henderson, Nev., has committed to the University of Arizona, according to both Jeff Goodman and Adam Zagoria on Twitter.

Johnson has been called a top target for Wildcat head coach Sean Miller. ESPN describes Johnson as a "strong and very athletic shooting guard" and is extremely positive in its scouting report.

He is a power driver from the wing and can score through contact on a consistent basis. Johnson can make the open three with time and is a good enough passer when he draws a second defender. He can knock down mid range pull ups going either right or left as well. He runs the floor with great pace and keeps on pressure on the transition defense. He is a good ball handler and can take the ball off the defensive glass and start the break. With his great size and matching athletic ability Johnson is capable of defending both wing positions very effectively. Johnson plays with urgency and competes on both ends of the floor.

Rivals.com ranks Johnson as the No. 45 overall prospect in the Class of 2011 while Scout.com ranks him as a four-star recruit.

Here's a short highlight reel to whet your appetite.