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.
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."