Arizona Basketball: 4-star Emmanuel Stephen adds to future frontcourt depth

Arizona Basketball has its third commit in the 2024 class, landing four-star big man, Emmanuel Stephen. What does he add to the program?

Not too long ago, Emmanuel Stephen announced a list of options for his services. There were some big names, including Kansas, Michigan, Miami, USC, and Arizona Basketball. He’s a 7’0 big man from Glendale, Arizona, so the Wildcats were the “hometown” option of the group.

Sometimes, prospects are willing to branch out and go across the country. And other times, they want to stay home, especially if there’s a major program to play for nearby. In this case, that’s what happened with Stephen and the Wildcats.

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The 7’0 big man projects to be a quality defender and rebounder and uses his size and energy to be very impactful inside. He actually compares with Oumar Ballo, the team’s starting center and breakout star from this past season. He’s entering his 5th year in college and could go pro after this year so Arizona needs to have its center position ready in case that occurs.

Stephen joins a frontcourt that has both depth and talent. Dylan Anderson is a former top-100 prospect entering his sophomore year, while Motiejus Krivas is an incoming international freshman that some are high on. So it’s not guarantee that Stephen gets early minutes, even if Ballo doesn’t return. But the same could’ve been said for Ballo when he originally transferred over from Gonzaga.

Adding this top-100 prospect gives Arizona Basketball a top-5 2024 recruiting class at the moment. Stephen joins a pair of top-30 commits in wing Carter Bryant and shooting guard, Jamari Phillips. With Alabama transfer Jaden Bradley joining the roster, the program should be good when it comes to ball-handlers.

Look for them to try to find a power forward to replace senior Keshad Johnson to round out the class, one that looks highly impressive on paper.