ESPN: Wildcats have plenty of NBA talent
Jul 2, 2013, 8:32 PM | Updated: 8:50 pm
Solomon Hill and Grant Jerrett became the 25th and 36th University of Arizona basketball players to be drafted into the NBA since 1988.
If ESPN’s Jeff Goodman is right, the Wildcats are about to produce some more NBA players.
In an ESPN Insider piece, Goodman ranks Arizona fourth in schools with the most NBA prospects, behind Kentucky, Michigan State and Kansas.
Sean Miller has five NBA prospects on his team, led by athletic freshman forward Aaron Gordon. The Wildcats also boast fellow frosh Rondae Jefferson, sophomore big men Kaleb Tarczewski and Brandon Ashley, as well as athletic junior guard Nick Johnson. Gordon is a combo forward who could wind up being a high-lottery pick, while Jefferson is also intriguing due to his length, athleticism and ability to defend multiple positions. The 7-foot Tarczewski is a developing big man who could well be a first-rounder if he continues to develop.
Unlike Hill, who graduated following last season, any Wildcat who goes pro next year will be doing so because they are leaving school early. However, such is the price a school pays for elite talent, so UA is just hoping to see the benefit on the court before its stars leave town.
