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The Wildcats are ready for what should be a very busy summer of recruiting.

Arizona Wildcats Basketball Adds Three Games To 2012 Schedule

The Arizona Wildcats are working hard to finalize their schedule for the 2012-13 season. For a team that most have projected for a top-10 ranking at the start of fall practices, Sean Miller and UA have just a few open dates left to fill. Three of those spots were filled on Friday as Arizona announced three games to their schedule, all of which will be played at McKale Center.

According to Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star, the Wildcats have added games with Charleston Southern, Long Beach State and Southern Mississippi.

Charleston Southern will kick off the season in Tucson for Arizona, which is scheduled for November 11. Long Beach State, a school that earned a six-seed in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, will face UA on November 19. Southern Miss was a No. 8 seed last March and will be in town December 4.

Arizona also secured two exhibition games with Humboldt State and Chico State. The annual Red-Blue Game will be played on October 21.

Pascoe also mentions that the Wildcats are looking to add two more games to the schedule, both of which will likely be home-and-home series.

For more on UA hoops, check out AZ Desert Swarm.

Sean Miller Talks Impact Of Mark Lyons, Solomon Hill For Arizona Wildcats

Following a wild past month for the Arizona Wildcats through transfers both into and outgoing from the program, head coach Sean Miller met with the media on Tuesday to discuss a wide range of topics. Among the hottest topics on the agenda: how Mark Lyons will fit into the program, Kevin Parrom's recovery from a broken foot and Solomon Hill moving to his natural position.

Here were news and notes from Miller's press conference:

• Coach Miller addressed T.J. McConnell, who transferred from Duquesne and will sit out next season, and thinks his impact in practices will be huge for the Wildcats. Not only will McConnell get to learn the system for once he becomes the starting guard in 2013, but also get to compete and challenge everyone else in practice. Miller mentioned his ties to T.J. and his family, and really gained respect for him after he played against Arizona this past year.
• As expected for weeks, the plan is to redshirt Matt Korcheck next year. He will be eligible for two seasons after that. Similar to McConnell, coach Miller was very excited to see what Korcheck brings to the program in practice. He felt Korcheck will develop very nicely once he gets in a full year or practices and working in the weight room.
• Miller had nothing but great things to say of Mark Lyons, who recently decided to become a Wildcat after four years at Xavier. Miller praised his work ethic and competitiveness on the court, and feels that his toughness will be huge for the team next season. Look for Lyons to arrive in Tucson around the Fourth of July, just in time for the start of the final summer school session.
• After playing the four-spot for much of last year due to a lack of size, Solomon Hill will exclusively play small forward as a senior. Miller also said that Hill has earned 30+ minutes a game due to his talent and experience.
• Kevin Parrom's foot is completely healthy after breaking it last January. Coach Miller emphasized just how import Parrom will be to the team given his experience and ability to be a physical presence on the wings. Look for him to play a little bit of small forward behind Hill, and also to see quite a few minutes in the backcourt at the two.
• Coach Miller believes the size and strength of his team will be a huge advantage over the competition. He also hinted at many possible lineup combinations, going big or small at any point in the game. Miller feels that the balance on his roster will be huge throughout the long season.
• And finally, this might have been the most telling quote from Miller's entire press conference: "I feel like we finally have two feet on the ground."

Arizona Basketball Recruiting: Tyler Ennis Cuts Wildcats From List

Many felt that point guard prospect Tyler Ennis would end up being one of the primary targets for Sean Miller's 2013 recruiting class at Arizona. With the uncertainty surrounding the point guard position made UA appealing for Ennis despite being far away from home, and Miller has a history of developing young point guards after being one himself in college.

Ennis will likely be a four- or five-star recruit by the time his senior year arrives.

Following the recent commitment of Duquesne transfer T.J. McConnell, who is expected to be the starting point guard in Tucson for the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Ennis has decided to cut the Wildcats from his list of potential schools. Here is the news from Zags Blog:

"Yes, too many point guards there," his father, Tony McIntrye of CIA Bounce, told SNY.tv, confirming a report by ESPN.com.

The 6-foot-3 Ennis continues to consider Syracuse, Memphis and Villanova, among others.

The news that Ennis is no longer considering Arizona is not really a surprise -- just about everyone figured this was the case following the commitment of McConnell -- but rather a testament to what coach Miller has done in Tucson in very little time. A few months ago the UA was worrying who their starting point guard for the 2012 season would be. Now, with Mark Lyons and McConnell on their way to Tucson, the starting spot looks to be filled until 2014-2015.

Something worth noting: the UCLA Bruins have recently become very involved in Ennis' recruitment. Most feel that he appears destined for Syracuse, but UCLA has to be a pretty attractive place right now following their recent success on the recruiting trail.

For more on the Wildcats, check out AZ Desert Swarm.

Arizona Wildcats Roster Shaping Up Nicely Following Mark Lyons' Commitment

Lyons and Solomon Hill will lead the most talented team to enter McKale Center in years.

Mark Lyons To Arizona Huge News For Wildcats, Pac-12 Basketball

Mark Lyons Commits To Arizona Wildcats Over Kentucky, Kansas

Mark Lyons will be the starting point guard in Tucson for the 2012-2013 season. The former Xavier guard, who originally committed to Sean Miller in what would be his final season coaching at XU, gave his pledge to the Arizona Wildcats on Sunday morning following his visit to campus.

He also visited John Calipari and the University of Kentucky earlier in the week, although Arizona was considered the heavy favorite throughout. A trip to Kansas was expected but never took place.

Lyons just tweeted his news.

I excited to be a wildcat!!!!!!

— Mark mooga Lyons (@Mooga_Mark) May 6, 2012

(And yes, he is referring to the Arizona Wildcats.)

This is an absolutely huge get for the Wildcats. With the departure of starting point guard Josiah Turner and recent transfer T.J. McConnell not eligible to play until 2013, Lyons immediately fills the void on what should be a preseason top-10 team. Some have questioned his leadership abilities on the court following the infamous brawl that took place between Xavier and Cincinnati last December, but all reports indicate he is a good kid who simply got caught up in the heat of a moment.

Lyons is more of a combo-guard instead of a true point guard, although he knows his only chance to make it in the NBA will be if he improves his passing and ball handling skills. At 6'2 and 185lbs, he certainly fits the mold of a prototypical point guard. As a redshirt junior last year with Xavier, Lyons averaged 15.5 points-per-game, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

Welcome to the University of Arizona, Mark Lyons. Next season could be a magical one in Tucson.

Follow @scottcoleman55

For more on the Wildcats, check out AZ Desert Swarm.

Arizona Basketball Should Arrange Home-and-Home Series With Indiana Hoosiers

Mark Lyons To Visit Sean Miller, Arizona Wildcats On Friday

Mark Lyons, a guard who has announced his intentions to transfer from Xavier as a graduate transfer student, has announced he will visit the University of Arizona this upcoming weekend. He visited with the Kentucky Wildcats on Tuesday and has also listed the Kansas Jayhawks in his recruitment, although they are yet to set up a visit date.

Many have said the Arizona Wildcats lead for Lyons, which makes a lot of sense given their opening at the point guard position. As the 6'1 guard told Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star on Tuesday:

Lyons said he is looking to play point guard at whichever of the three schools he chooses, in an effort to improve his NBA stock, and said he intends to discuss the issue with Miller this weekend while learning more about UA.

"Just get a feel for the place, see how it looks and the environment," Lyons said of his objectives for this weekend's visit. Playing point guard "is a big factor because I want to play more point than I did in my past."

We have highlighted why Lyons and the Wildcats would be a perfect fit in Tucson. He is familiar with head coach Sean Miller and most of the coaching staff, is good friends with senior-to-be Kevin Parrom, and would have an immediate spot in the starting rotation. Given the amount of talent UA will have assembled on the roster next season, one can only imagine this visit will be a very successful one.

Stay tuned for complete coverage throughout the weekend as Lyons takes in the campus and basketball facilities in Tucson.

Follow @scottcoleman55

For more on the Wildcats, check out AZ Desert Swarm.

Former Arizona Wildcats Guard Josiah Turner Arrested For DUI

Sean Miller Does Something Rare By Offering In-State Basketball Prospect

Mark Lyons To Arizona Would Make Wildcats National Title Contenders

Mark Lyons was among the best point guards in the country last season. Now looking to transfer, the Arizona Wildcats would be an ideal fit.

PG Mark Lyons Transferring From Xavier, Strongly Considering Arizona Wildcats

According to a report from pointguardu.com Mark Lyons has announced that he indeed will transfer from Xavier University, and is considering Arizona as one of his top landing spots schools he is considering.

Lyons would fill in nicely for Josiah Turner, who has left the Wildcats basketball program, and is on track to graduate so has no eligibility issues and can play immediately. Sean Miller was who recruited him to Xavier in the first place.

The 6'1 point guard was second on the Musketeers in scoring last season, averaging 15.1 points a game, along with 2.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds.

Lyons was suspended for his role in the Xavier/Cincinnati fight, and found himself benched at the end of the season Lyons and head coach Chris Mack said that it was a mutual decision and best for both parties to go their separate ways.

For more on the Arizona Wildcats, head over to Arizona Desert Storm.

Former Arizona Wildcats Forward Jesse Perry Charged With Felony Domestic Violence

NCAA Tournament 2013: Arizona Wildcats Primed For Big Turnaround Season

The Arizona Wildcats failed to reach the NCAA Tournament for the second time in nearly three decades last March, something that has made those in Tucson very hungry for a return to the postseason. Given a strong core of returning players and a top-ranked recruiting class, the Wildcats will be a trendy dark horse candidate to reach the Final Four in 2013.

Yahoo! Sports released a list of 10 teams primed for a big turnaround next year. The UA was among the teams listed, and they discussed the roster a bit.

Why it will be in the NCAA tourney next season: A loaded recruiting class lends hope that the Wildcats will return to the top of the Pac-12 standings. Arizona loses two of its top three scorers, but brings in the nation's No. 2 class, headed by three five-star big men. C [K]aleb Tarczewski and PFs Brandon Ashley and Grant Jerrett should transform the Wildcats into a frontcourt-dominated team. There's also a solid incoming freshman guard in Gabe York. The key guy might be holdover G Nick Johnson, a five-star recruit last year who had an inconsistent freshman season. He may be asked to play point guard; can he handle the role? Coach Sean Miller looks as if he will have a big, athletic squad.

There really is a lot to like about this team on paper, although a ton will hinge on just how strong the point guard play is. The wings and forward positions will be solid, but it's tough to go very far without a legitimate ball handler at the college level, as we all saw last season.

For more on the Wildcats, head over to AZ Desert Swarm.

Jordan Brand Classic 2012: Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett, Kaleb Tarczewski All Set To Play

College Basketball Rankings: Arizona Wildcats No. 17 Following Josiah Turner's Departure

Kyryl Natyazhko Leaving Arizona Wildcats To Pursue Professional Career

Just hours after the Arizona Wildcats announced starting point guard Josiah Turner was leaving the program, junior big man Kyryl Natyazhko is also leaving to pursue a professional career overseas. After playing a big role as a freshman, Natyazhko has failed to live up to expectations, sitting the bench for most of conference play. With three incoming freshmen set to claim a bulk of the minutes next season, many felt Natyazhko would leave Tucson.

"I'd like to thank the fans, my teammates and the coaching staff at Arizona," said Natyazhko. "It has been a wonderful experience for me to study and play here. I appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped me develop as a person and as a player. As hard as it is for me to leave, at this time I have to do what is best for me and my family and pursue these professional opportunities, but I plan on earning my degree in the near future. "

Through 91 games in his three seasons, the 6'11 center averaged less than two points and two rebounds per-game. Despite having the size to dominate the paint on defense, Natyazhko was more of a defensive liability this past season due to a lack of athleticism.

"Two weeks ago Kyryl and I met regarding his future, and at that time he expressed to me his desire to pursue professional opportunities overseas," said Arizona head coach Sean Miller. "We agreed that he would only do it if an excellent opportunity presented itself. Since our meeting those types of opportunities, in fact, have become available to him."

The Wildcats now have just 11 players remaining on their roster. Expect coach Miller to look at adding yet another 2012 recruit or potential transfer player.

Josiah Turner Leaving Arizona Wildcats Basketball Program

What many had suspected for weeks was finally confirmed on Wednesday afternoon by the Arizona Wildcats: starting point guard Josiah Turner has elected to transfer from the UA. He has not selected a school as of yet and will likely make a decision in the near future.

Turner entered the UA last fall as one of the most highly regarded freshmen to ever step foot on campus. Incredibly talented, he struggled to live up to expectations both on and off the court. He was suspended numerous times by Sean Miller for conduct detrimental to the team, including a suspension for the Pac-12 Tournament.

Turner averaged 6.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 29 games, starting in 17 of them.

"I learned a lot in my year at Arizona and would like to thank my coaches, teammates and the fans for all of their support," said Turner.

What does this mean for the Wildcats in 2012? Jordin Mayes and Nick Johnson will handle the point guard duties, with Mayes likely to become the starter given his experience running the position. Incoming freshman Gabe York could also see a few minutes at the one next season. All three are more of combo-guards than true point guards, so their development this summer is crucial for the UA to be successful next season.

"Josiah made a great deal of progress as a student-athlete in his year with us," said Arizona head coach Sean Miller. "He will finish this semester and leave in good academic standing. All of us at Arizona wish him well in his future."

Arizona Basketball Recruiting: What's Next For Sean Miller & The Wildcats?

TJ McConnell Officially Commits To Arizona Wildcats Over Virginia

There was lingering doubt in whether or not TJ McConnell was committing to the Arizona Wildcats but it looks as if that doubt is no more - McConnell will be a Wildcat.

This tweet from Valley of the Suns' Mike Schmitz pretty much sums it up.

"Just received a text from TJ McConnell that he did indeed just commit to the #ArizonaWildcats. He chose UA over Virginia."

The sophomore guard is transferring from Duquesne and the University of Virginia was the other school mentioned to be in the running for his services.

McConnell will redshirt this upcoming season due to NCAA transfer rules but will have two seasons in Tucson, beginning in 2013. Having McConnell in line behind Josiah Turner and Jordin Mayes makes plenty of sense for coach Sean Miller and his staff, who pulled out all the stops during McConnell's visit to Tuscon last weekend.

It looks like Point Guard U just landed itself yet another point guard.

TJ McConnell Commits To Arizona Wildcats, According To Reports

The Arizona Wildcats have been actively pursuing Duquesne point guard TJ McConnell since the sophomore point guard announced his intentions to transfer a few weeks ago. Many felt that Sean Miller and the UA sat atop his list of potential destinations, and after a very successful trip to Tucson this weekend, McConnell has committed to the Wildcats, according to reports.

TJ McConnell has committed to Arizona

— Point Guard U (@UofAPointGuardU) April 9, 2012

We do not have direct confirmation from McConnell or his father as of late Sunday evening, but this looks to be very close to a done deal. An official announcement could come as early as Monday morning. The Virginia Cavaliers were the only other team in the running to receive his commitment.

McConnell will have to redshirt the 2012 season due to NCAA transfer rules, and will then be eligible for two years in Tucson starting the fall of 2013. With the uncertainty surrounding incumbent point guards Josiah Turner and Jordin Mayes looming over the program, it was no wonder that Miller and the coaching staff put the full-court press on McConnell during his visit.

UPDATE, 4/9:

Despite the report from Point Guard U, McConnell has said through friends that he has not committed anywhere as of yet. It appears they may have jumped the gun. An official announcement is expected Tuesday or Wednesday.

Arizona Basketball Recruiting: Matt Korcheck Commits To Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats have added yet another player to their 2012 recruiting class. While he comes in through the junior-college ranks, Matt Korcheck has a very promising future ahead of him. The former standout at Sabino High School in Tucson originally signed with the UTEP Miners, but a coaching change prompted him to stay home and attend Cochise College.

He visited Oklahoma earlier this spring and came to Tucson this past weekend. After meeting with the coaching staff and checking out the facilities, the 6'9" forward is now a Wildcat. He is expected to officially sign his transfer papers on Monday or Tuesday.

With sophomore-to-be Angelo Chol and incoming freshmen Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett and Kaleb Tarczewski all likely to claim a bulk of the minutes in 2012, the plan is to redshirt Korcheck next season. He will have two years of eligibility starting in the 2013 season.

Not only does this give Sean Miller and the coaching staff some much-needed stability surrounding the roster, but it also allows Korcheck some time to improve in practice and get comfortable at the Division-I level. He could become a very reliable player in the coming years for Arizona, especially given his size and toughness around the rim.

And speaking of rims, he likes to do some damage to them and the backboard. Check it out.

Welcome to the University of Arizona, Matt. Bear Down.

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Arizona Basketball Recruiting: Matt Korcheck Visiting Tucson This Weekend, According To Reports

The Arizona Wildcats already have the No. 1 ranked recruiting class lined up for 2012, but that does not mean Sean Miller and the coaching staff have let off their recruiting efforts. While the UA has three five-star freshmen post players set to make their way to Tucson in a few months, a little experience and depth is never a bad thing. According to multiple reports, the Wildcats will host a talented junior college prospect this weekend.

JUCO soph Matt Korcheck 6'9 PF of Cochise College is visiting University of Arizona this weekend. Down to Arizona & Oklahoma - per sources.

— Chad Groth (@areacodes) April 5, 2012

As for Korcheck, he had a solid high school career in Tucson at Sabino High before agreeing to sign with the UTEP Miners in 2009. A few things did not work out along the way which sent him to Cochise College in Arizona. Now, with two years of eligibility remaining, Korcheck is looking to sign with a high-tier basketball program.

The thought process is Korcheck would be willing to redshirt next season, meaning he would be a Wildcat through the 2014-15 season. Given the uncertainty of how long Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett and Kaleb Tarczewski will stay in college before potentially heading to the NBA, you can bet coach Miller would welcome some security on the roster for the next few seasons.

College Basketball Preseason 2012 Rankings: Arizona Wildcats No. 12, According To ESPN Analysts

TJ McConnell Will Transfer To Arizona Or Virginia, According To Reports

Word surfaced about a week ago that Sean Miller and the Arizona Wildcats would be very interested in landing former Duquesne point guard T.J. McConnell following the news that he was transferring. The UA was rumored to be near the top of the sophomore's list from the early going, and a report came on Thursday that confirmed these whispers.

According to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, McConnell and his family have narrowed their list of potential schools down to Arizona and Virginia. He visited UVA earlier this week and will visit UA next Thursday and Friday. A decision is expected shortly after that.

The McConnell's have ties to Arizona Coach Sean Miller, who is from the area and played at Pitt.

"It has a lot to do with it. We've known the Miller's for a long time," said Tim McConnell. "My son really enjoyed his visit to Virginia too and really liked the coach there. It's going to come down to where he fits in best."

Numerous schools tried to convince the talented point guard to take visits to their campuses, but two have stood out the entire time.

"There were other schools, but to be honest it's between Virginia and Arizona," said Tim McConnell. "He didn't get to do this in high school because he committed so early. He really enjoyed his visit and wants to go to Arizona to just compare and see what's best for him."

There is no doubt that Miller and the coaching staff will put the full-court press on McConnell when he arrives in Tucson next week, and the need for him is huge starting in 2013 after he sits out a year. Given that he still has a redshirt option remaining, McConnell will have two seasons of eligibility left.

With Duquesne last season, he averaged 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He shot .503% from the field, hit 43% of his 3-pointers (38-for-88) and was among the nation's best with 2.8 steals-per-game.

Pretty impressive. It is no wonder why Arizona wants this kid so badly.

For more on the Wildcats, head on over to AZ Desert Swarm.

McDonald's All American Game 2012: Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett Set To Rep Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats had two members of their No. 1 ranked recruiting class selected for the historic event.

T.J. McConnell, Arizona Wildcats Could Be Perfect Fit

The Arizona Wildcats are set up well for the future with the possible exception of the point guard spot, arguably the most important position in the college game.

While most felt freshman Josiah Turner was the man to lead the program for years to come, issues off the court have prevented him from living up to his potential and he may find himself off the team if he does not get his act together. After already serving three suspensions this year, Sean Miller may not even let him try and prove himself once again next season.

Jordin Mayes was the backup point guard for most of the season and is a sturdy-yet-unspectacular option for the UA. A lack of athleticism will likely prevent him from becoming an elite point guard, but he knows the offense and will be one of the few upperclassmen on the roster in 2012-13.

With Turner's future uncertain and Mayes' injury history a serious concern, where do the Wildcats turn for a point guard for years to come?

Rumblings out of the western suburbs is that Arizona is near the top of a short list of possible landing spots for TJ McConnell.

— Paul Zeise (@PaulZeise) March 22, 2012

A sophomore point guard, McConnell actually played at McKale Center last season with Duquesne, going for 13 points, five rebounds and four assists against Arizona. He averaged 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists last year.

The early word is that coach Miller is very interested in bringing him to Tucson to play his junior and senior seasons.

Due to NCAA rules, T.J. would have to sit out a year -- he could redshirt in order to save a year of his ineligibility -- but would likely become the starting point guard come 2013-2014 as a junior. McConnell would be allowed to practice all next season with his new teammates, which would be huge as far as building chemistry with them goes.

Many programs around the nation are interested in McConnell, but it appears that the Wildcats sit near (or at) the top of his list. With so much uncertainty surrounding the point guard job in Tucson, you can bet Sean Miller will be looking at any and all options to better his program for the future.

Arizona Wildcats Basketball Shifts Focus To 2012-13, No. 1 Ranked Recruiting Class

A roster breakdown, a look at the stellar freshmen class and more, all for the 2012-13 season.