ARIZONA BASKETBALL

Incoming UA freshman Turner named MVP of tournament final

May 23, 2011, 5:22 PM | Updated: 6:27 pm

There’s a reason why Arizona fans, while maybe disappointed about MoMo Jones transferring, aren’t panicking over where the team is heading.

Josiah Turner.

Turner, one of the top freshman in the country, is now likely to take over as the lead guard for a team with conference title aspirations. If his recent play is any indication, he may be ready for big things.

According to ZagsBlog, the point guard was named the MVP of the iS8/Nike Spring Championship final after scoring 16 points and dishing out seven assists in his team’s 71-60 win.

Turner said playing well against quality competition, including three future St. John’s players, is a good sign.

“It lets me know that I can play with a lot of people. I’m a pretty good point guard. I can run the show so I like it.”

Still, Turner was not necessarily expected to run the show for the Arizona Wildcats so soon. Jones’ departure, changes things, but Turner understands he will have to step up and take a larger role than many freshman would expect.

If he’s as good as advertised the Wildcats won’t miss a beat due to Jones’ departure, and if that’s the case Point Guard U could find itself back in the final weekends of the NCAA Tournament once again.

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