NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Nico Mannion’s final four schools

Arizona Wildcats

As of right now (Aug. 11), Arizona is the heavy favorite to land the commitment from Mannion according to 247Sports (they hold all 13 crystal ball predictions). While these predictions cannot be taken as a guarantee, they can certainly make Arizona fans feel a little better about the likelihood of the in-state product joining the program. Of course, this does not mean that head coach Sean Miller can let up in this recruitment either.

Considering Arizona, regardless of any FBI investigation, is one of the nation’s powerhouses year after year, you have to expect that they will be near the top of the list for any elite in-state recruit. Mannion is from Phoenix, AZ and the Wildcats represent the only team in his final four that is situated west of the Mississippi. If he is looking to stay close to home and play for an elite program, this is the only choice remaining.

In terms of current roster construction, Arizona already has one of the best 2018 point guards, Brandon Williams, joining the team for this upcoming season. However, considering both players have the play style to slide to the shooting guard position if necessary, this likely would not affect the rotation in a negative way. To put it simply, Nico Mannion is the type of player that will be guaranteed minutes regardless of who else is on the roster. He is that good.