Arizona Basketball needed to jumpstart the team’s 2019 recruiting class. Local phenom Nico Mannion is the perfect start for the Wildcats’ future plans.
Just a few months ago, it was looking like Arizona Basketball was in a world of hurt. They were impacted in a huge way from the FBI Investigation, which affected their recruiting almost to a point of no return. At the time, they had an elite class which was supposed to lead a revamped Wildcats team. But all of those commits left, concerned about what potential sanctions were coming Arizona’s way.
The storm ultimately passed the program, with both the team and head coach not receiving any kind of punishment. The positive news immediately benefitted the program, with top-30 prospect Brandon Williams recommitting, along with a pair of top-100 players near the end of the period.
The Wildcats were able to start fresh but needed to have an incredible 2019 recruiting class to get back in the national conversation. The scrambling allowed them to field a potential NCAA Tournament team this upcoming season but they’re a long way from getting back to Final Four contender, just like the DeAndre Ayton-Allonzo Trier led Wildcats team were.
A wide fishing net was cast, with numerous five-star high school players in the 2019 recruiting class considering joining the program. At this point though, no individual has committed to them.
That changed on September 14, with five-star phenom Nico Mannion choosing Arizona over the other finalist Marquette. Originally part of the 2020 class, the 6’3 guard moved up a year to accelerate his route to the pros. He’s been on the radar for scouts for years, gaining notoriety after being on the cover of a Sports Illustrated issue.
High on Nico Mannion's NBA outlook. Has positional size, impressive change of pace with the ball, good feel, has touch and creativity, killer mentality/confidence. He's impressed me with the Italian U16 team, on the AAU circuit, and at Steph Curry Camp. Great get for Arizona.
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) September 14, 2018
Considered along with Cole Anthony to be the best point guard in the 2019 class, Mannion has elite court vision along with a shooting stroke that must be respected by opponents. Assuming Williams stays around for another season, he and Mannion will form one of the best starting backcourts in the country.
For Arizona, having the commitment from the local Tuscon native is huge, as it allows the coaching staff to focus on their biggest needs – frontcourt depth. There are questions about the ceilings for Duke transfer Chase Jeter and rising sophomore Ira Lee, so landing potentially another five-star or two big man would be ideal for Arizona.
There are several realistic options as well for the team. Four-star forwards Drew Timme and Zeke Nnaji have the Wildcats as finalists, as well as five-star elite talents such as Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jaden McDaniels. Top-10 overall prospect Josh Green is another option at the small forward position.
Landing just one to join Mannion would put Arizona Basketball back to where they have belonged since Miller arrived with the program, which is at the top of the Pac-12 and a threat to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. Mannion is the first piece for the Wildcats – who’s next to join him?