Miller’s recruiting gains even more MoMo-mentum
UPDATE: INCLUDES DIRECT QUOTES FROM SCOUTING EXPERT VAN COLEMAN AND ANALYSIS FROM SCOUT.COM’S DAVE TELEP (ALSO PROJECTED UA ROTATION WITH JONES).
By Anthony Gimino and Javier Morales
Lamont Jones
Just a few months ago, there was little hope for the next Arizona basketball season. Putting together any semblance of a typical UA recruiting class was deemed a lost cause.
Now, UA coach Sean Miller has another touted player to add to his recruiting class, which has four incoming freshmen and might not be done. The best thing about it: Miller and his staff — as advertised, Book Richardson is a heck of a recruiter — didn’t have to compromise on the talent while being in a potentially short-handed situation.
According to GOAZCATS.com and Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star, point guard Lamont “MoMo” Jones committed to Arizona on Wednesday. Jones, who was released from his letter-of-intent after Tim Floyd resigned at USC, visited UA and Florida before making his decision.
Longtime elite youth basketball scout Van Coleman told us Jones’ best asset is his shooting ability right now but he believes Jones should blossom into a point guard who can see the entire floor under Miller.
“MoMo is an explosive scoring combo who can flat out light it up when his shot is falling,” Coleman said. “He has really matured as a floor leader and should mature into a solid point before he graduates under Sean Miller’s tutelage. As a freshman, his backcourt versatility will allow him to see lots of playing time.”
Scout.com’s Dave Telep mentioned in one of his articles that Jones is a “commodity for programs looking to add scoring punch to their backcourt profile.”
There has been debate on this site whether Miller should bring in Jones; the naysayers either don’t like his game or are reluctant to use a spot for the 2010 recruiting class. We’re going to have to trust Miller on this one. Jones was rated the nation’s 11th-best point guard by Rivals.com, but is not considered that high by Scout.com.
The Cats will now turn their attention to forward Derrick Williams, another refugee from USC. He is expected to start a visit Thursday, having just finished a trip to Memphis.
In less than three months, Miller has brought in wings Solomon Hill and Kevin Parrom, and post Kyryl Natyazhko — and retained senior point guard Nic Wise, who originally was intent to turn pro.
“Arizona has had a solid spring considering the lack of overall talent available when they took the job,” Coleman said. “Their class will finish in the top 25 nationally and could go as high as No. 20 when we do our final recruiting wrap next week. Look for Hill and Natyazhko to make an immediate impact with the potential to start, while Parrom and Jones will add much needed depth.”
That potential 2009-10 disaster has turned into a season that can’t get here fast enough. Miller has yet to make a misstep.
Here’s a potential rotation at each position with Jones on board (our opinion):
- Point guard:
- Starter: Nic Wise
- First option: Garland Judkins or Lamont Jones — Judkins was not recruited by the current staff and he played minimally in 2008-2009 because of discipline issues. They don’t know much about him. The next few months leading up to practice will be like an audition process for Judkins. Jones is well known by Richardson through their AAU background in New York City. Competition will make all involved better, including Wise.
- Shooting guard:
- Starter: Kyle Fogg
- First option: Jones or Brendon Lavender — Lavender showed little confidence last season in his potentially good perimeter game mostly because he was a freshman playing for an interim coach (but his playing time increased as the season transpired). Jones looks to have a good stroke but he gives up three inches to Lavender at the off-guard spot where it is advantageous to look over the defender at the collegiate level. Fogg, who blossomed out of nowhere as a freshman, is a fan favorite who hustles on every play. He must work on his consistency as a perimeter shooter.
- Small forward:
- Starter: Solomon Hill
- First option: Kevin Parrom
- Power forward:
- Starter: Jamelle Horne
- First option: Kevin Parrom
- Post:
- Starter: Kyryl Natyazhko
- First option: Alex Jacobson
Tags: Book Richardson, Derrick Williams, Kevin Parrom, Kyryl Natyazhko, Lamont Jones, Sean Miller
WILDABOUTAZCATS.com (RSS) Feeds
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 6:04 PM and is filed under Class of 2009 recruits.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Excellent news! I’ve been on pins and needles for the past hour, since reading the rumors that he had chosen us over Florida. Welcome to Arizona, MoMo!!! Now, if we can land Derrick Williams too, next season will look even brighter!!
June 24th, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Great job, Anthony. Your report brings some credibility to MoMo’s commitment. I expect, however that we may see a transfer or two…what would you predict, anthony? Javier?
Bear Down!
June 24th, 2009 at 6:29 PM
AG,
With the addition of Momo, and the possible addition of Williams, how much has Arizona’s 2009 recruiting class closed the gap on UCLA, Cal, and UW? Will we now be able to compete for the number 1 spot in the league, or are we still a step behind the teams at the top of the Pac-10?
It seems like we’re getting close. How close do you think we are to being able to compete for a league title? Are we still 2-3 years off?
Thanks.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Great news! Welcome to the Old Pueblo MoMo!
June 24th, 2009 at 6:37 PM
azcats,
Just playing the numbers here: There have been 14 transfers from Arizona since the fall of 1998 — not including guys who signed and never made it to school (Jennings, Negedu).
I don’t know who, but I would expect another transfer or two, perhaps at midseason as the rotation begins to shake out.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Ben,
Even in a weakened Pac-10, I’m not ready to say Arizona can compete for the No. 1 spot. The Cats are still young, the veterans will be adjusting to yet another way of doing things and I don’t expect this to be a super dynamic team offensively.
To me, what the addition of Jones does for right away is limit how bad UA’s season could be if something were to happen to Nic Wise. That, and Jones should also provide some creative one-on-one scoring, which is needed.
So in that sense UA does move closer to Washington, Cal and UCLA, and the perimeter-oriented Cats would seem to match up well in a league lacking in quality big men.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I expect another transfer this summer. I expect it will either be Lavender or Judkins. From what I have seen, I think Lavender is better so would rather see him stay.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Why would a returner, who saw playing time last year, transfer before he sees how the freshmen come in. Who knows perhaps they have trouble adjusting.
Momo looks like he has the tools to be a strong, compact PG. After watching the video I hope Miller can teach him not to palm the ball….you are not on the playgroudn or in the NBA just yet.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Welcome to THE U MoMo, you are now part of a great tradition and basketball family. We all look forward to a new beginning under coach Mller, get ready to work hard and BEAR DOWN!!
June 24th, 2009 at 7:28 PM
just watched the video looks like momo can hit the three’s, that’s always good. thanks Javier and Anthony for the report. i didn’t trust anyone until you reported the good news and also Frank thanks
June 24th, 2009 at 7:36 PM
I’m not big on rankings of recruiting classes. Those rankings don’t measure the ability of coaches to teach kids. They don’t pay adequate attention to intangibles like character (that make kids coachable). Also, is it better to sign a kid who sticks around for three years or one? Depends, right?
There are so many variables, at the end of the day those overly simplistic class rankings mean nothing. Bottom line, I trust Miller to sign kids with good character, who want to be part of a team, who are teachable, who are willing to buy into a system, and then to teach them well.
This will be a rebuilding year because all our signees are young and the veterans will be working to learn a new system. Nic is going to have to really step it up for the Cats to make the Tournament. Fortunately, I think he’s ready to do just that. The way he played in last year’s Tournament was just the beginning. Next years team is his. Nic’s return, combined with all the talent coming in, gives us a 40% (or better) shot at making the cut.
I’d say 2011-2012 is when we compete for the Pac-10 title.
June 24th, 2009 at 7:51 PM
On Zag’s now too….Welcome to UA – Bear Down! You will LOVE it here!!!
http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/06/24/momo-jones-to-arizona/#more-18311
June 24th, 2009 at 8:02 PM
MoMo! I am happy. Anthony G said: this gives the team needed depth at the PG position and better practices. Momo makde the right choice. To be not only coached by Miller, but to practice and learn from one of the best PG’s in the country in practice. Nic will teach him a lot, especially playing four his fourth system in four years. I’m starting the think Jamelle is going to break out this season. He’ll get a lot of coaching attention, etc.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:02 PM
sorry for that grammatical collapse.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:13 PM
I’ll repost this over here now that there’s actually a thread -
WildcatinNW Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 5:26 PM
I have not been in favor of this addition, but I’ll support Miller’s vision. I think what it boils down to for Miller is the opportunity to continue the streak has presented itself with U$C’s disentegration. I still don’t like giving up the 2010 scholarships and really wish he had held off on Shumpert’s deal.
On the other hand, the streak is important to future recruiting and more talent always helps, a longer bench always helps, more competition always helps, so we’ll have to watch for the shakeout and see who transfers as a result. I still want Williams in here. If that happens, where does the ‘09 recruiting class get ranked? A solid #2 in the nation behind Kentucky. Yes, I think so.
What we need is a contest or some fresh ideas on a new handle for Lamont Jones. I can’t stand ‘MoMo’ unless it’s the Italian kind…
Javy – help us out with a poll of some kind for a new nickname -
LJ is always safe
‘LaJo’
‘El Jones’
On the road we’ll hear all the bad ones – LaMo, SloMo, ‘Monty’
June 24th, 2009 at 10:19 PM
The lineup for next year is shaping up nicely. Now, if by some miracle Miller can develop Jacobson into something resembling a Pac-10 player, the team will have a good chance of continuing the streak.
June 24th, 2009 at 10:38 PM
vegasallen: Josh Gershon’s interview with MoMo Jones at GOAZCATS.com is very telling about Jones’ confident style. It was refreshing to hear a young player talk like that. Some might consider it offensive or cocky, but I think it’s pure confidence. He actually thinks that he and Wise will comprise Arizona’s backcourt next season. I say more power to him. That should get the competitive juices flowing in Fogg and Judkins. I think that is more constructive than destructive. Or it least it should be, if you are dealing with headstrong athletes.
June 24th, 2009 at 10:48 PM
http://yfrog.com/e850079360272815969848815j
GREAT PIC OF MILLER AND THE NEW ERA OF ARIZONA BASKETBALL
June 25th, 2009 at 1:22 AM
that pic is hilarious
June 25th, 2009 at 2:48 AM
I was one that wanted to save this pick until 2010 but the more I read about this young man the more I’m impressed. Not only will he learn from Nic, but he will learn from Coach miller and his brother who were very dynamic point guards in their playing days.
This will be a fun year coming up as we watch this team grow into what should be a very good team by the end of the year.
June 25th, 2009 at 6:01 AM
That photo is too reminiscent of Mussolini and Hitler.
June 25th, 2009 at 7:01 AM
Don’t know if this has been posted before – but it is a good read on Lamont Jones –
http://www.bouncemag.com/2008/07/05/conrad-mcrae-dean-st-kareem-reid-momo-ron-artest-tri-state-classic-american-christian-tyreke-evans-louisville-lamont-momo-jones-keith-spellman/
Seems like UA got a great competitor…
June 25th, 2009 at 7:05 AM
Let fear and trembling envelope the entire PAC 10 basketball world. Coach Sean Miller and the ‘Cats will be in the hunt for a PAC 10 title this year. Let the reign begin.
Ok, got that out of my system. Welcome, Mr. Jones. It is good to have you as part of the university I love. Drink lots of water and get ready to be part of something very very big.
“Bear Down, Arizona………”
Any quotes from Coach Miller on MOMO yet?
June 25th, 2009 at 7:52 AM
Well, I wasn’t originally a fan of giving up a scholarship on MoMo. However, I have to say, the more I read about this kid, the more I like. I especially like his swagger and killer instinct, something that is lacking from the Cats from time to time. I love the idea of opposing teams getting hit by a one-two punch of Nic’s quiet efficiency and MoMo’s in your face offense. If he develops a lock down defender’s mentality, we may have a new Gary Payton on our hands — all good in my book. Welcome MoMo, you have earned my support.
June 25th, 2009 at 8:34 AM
I’m just like you, classof77. I wasn’t too high on Jones either, but the more I’ve found out about him, the more I think he’s just what we need.
Welcome to Arizona Momo!
June 25th, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Javier or Anthony –
With the addition of Momo, how do you envision this affecting the possibility of landing Doron Lamb? For those of you who don’t know, Jones played side by side this past year with Lamb, and together they helped lead Oak Hill to a 40-1 record and a 2nd place High School finish – Only losing to Findlay Prep in the finals. Together they make a potent tandem, and since Momo is now a Wildcat, I’m curious if the possible reunitement of the two entices Lamb?
June 25th, 2009 at 8:58 AM
That’s definitely something to consider, DenverCat. Hopefully it would help entice Lamb to come. I’m interested in what Javier and Anthony think about that too.
Just another thought… how great would it be if Momo turns out better than Gaddy? It certainly could happen, and I for one would love to see Momo burn Gaddy all over the court.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:35 AM
momo was a good get for miller, but i question the pursuit of williams being that there is a delicate balance of talent already on board at this position. i would much rather see miller save this scholly for the next 2 years of recruiting where there would be an abundance of HIGHER quality front court help.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:39 AM
one man’s top 10 nba draft picks
1. griffin
2. thabeet
3. rubio
4. hill
5. evans
6. derozan
7. harden
8. holiday
9. flynn
10. curry
June 25th, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Dare I say it: Depth. Who would have thought this was achievable a few short weeks ago?
Also that pic-link of Miller posted by bleez is one for the ages. Maybe it was photo-shopped. If it was really released by the UA athletic dept, you’ve really got to wonder about the judgement to send that out.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:54 AM
DenverCat: The recruitment of MoMo Jones is a landmark achievement that could sway Doron Lamb to Arizona and other recruits from Oak Hill Academy. The UA was 0-3 in getting recruits on campus from that high-profile program previously, which is amazing when you think of it (Jennings, Jackson and Vega all signed but never qualified). Olson got Ben Davis, who attended Oak Hill but didn’t sign with Arizona out of high school. Now recruits from that school — with coach Steve Smith very respectful of the UA program — will look at moving to Tucson as a viable decision. More than that, Lamb and Jones share a NYC background and played in the AAU Gauchos program with Book Richardson as coach. Many recruiting experts thought Lamb was a shoo-in for Kentucky, but he said recently that he has questions about Kentucky because of its abundance of guards. Arizona has point guards who shoot, but do the Wildcats have a pure shooting guard on their roster next year or in 2010-2011? Lamb or Trey Ziegler can fit that role quite nicely.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I’m fairly new to these forums, so question: wouldn’t Williams bring much added depth to the PF position? How does he stack up in size and rebounding against Parrom and Horne? My biggest knocks on Horne are consistency and basketball IQ — all of which should improve as he matures.
June 25th, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Javier,
You mention that “Arizona has point guards who shoot, but do the Wildcats have a pure shooting guard on their roster next year or in 2010-2011?”
Don’t we have Kyle Fogg on the roster? Isn’t he a pure shooting guard? He doesn’t seem like a point guard. Isn’t he a coach’s dream with the defensive intensity/ability he brings to the position as well as the composure he showed as a freshman? Is Kyle Fogg a long-term solution at the 2-guard spot? Be honest. It sounds like you’re limiting your expectations of his future role. I know he’s an incredibly popular player, but it sounds like you’re still looking for a shooting guard. What are your thoughts on this?
June 25th, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Ben: I wouldn’t say Fogg is a classic shooting guard. Fogg, at times, showed that he can make a three-pointer. But do you think he is fluid with his stroke from that spot? And did he keep defenses honest? That’s what you look for in a shooting guard. Now, I know that he is working hard on his perimeter game and ball handling this summer. The defense and hustle are certainly there. A shooting guard at the D-I level should be a pure shooter, with a fluid motion and proper follow-through and stroke with the ball. I didn’t see that entirely from Fogg last season (my opinion). Also, Fogg is listed at 6-2. An ideal shooting guard should be in the 6-4 to 6-6 range which fits the description of Ziegler and Lamb.
June 25th, 2009 at 11:33 AM
*
vegasallen Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Dare I say it: Depth. Who would have thought this was achievable a few short weeks ago?
Also that pic-link of Miller posted by bleez is one for the ages. Maybe it was photo-shopped. If it was really released by the UA athletic dept, you’ve really got to wonder about the judgement to send that out.
———
Picture came from Horne’s facebook. Looks like a banner on a wall, most likely at UA facility.
June 25th, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I dont know what I just did- accident….
I meant to do this:
30. vegasallen Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Dare I say it: Depth. Who would have thought this was achievable a few short weeks ago?
Also that pic-link of Miller posted by bleez is one for the ages. Maybe it was photo-shopped. If it was really released by the UA athletic dept, you’ve really got to wonder about the judgement to send that out.
———
Picture came from Hornes facebook. Looks like a banner on a wall, most likely at UA facility.
June 25th, 2009 at 11:36 AM
. . . yeah, I would say that promo poster of Sean Miller is little too Nazi-esqe looking. They may want to rethink the distribution of that one.
Momo should be a good “get” for the Cats and provide depth for the team while he hones his college game. Nic will dominate this team Conference though!
How about you D. Williams? . . . want to join the party in the desert?
June 25th, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Thanks for your response Javier. I wasn’t aware Lamb and Jones played together in AAU on the Gauchos. Of course I probably should’ve put that together, knowing they are both from NYC and have a relationship with Book.
June 25th, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Thanks bleez.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Well some of the Cats are watching the draft with Williams and his mother. He toured the facilities this afternoon.
June 25th, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Jay or Anthony – What can you tell us about the 6-5 kid from Cienega and the 7 footer from Ironwood? Arizona good? It’s still important to win Tucson and Phoenix, indeed Arizona, is it not?
June 25th, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Ahh, to be handed a ball cap by Stern on June 25, 2009!…
J Hill, like C Frye, a Knickerbocker by way of the draft. Big New Yorker can learn from big Trail Blazer. Take notes, Jordan. And take flight! Do THE U proud with that hour and a half, two hours of free publicity. And the Legend of O lives on…
Jay-Bee and AG – handicap for us the chances of Hill, Jennings, Budinger, DeRozan and Harden making it in the league.
And to think the ‘Cats could’ve started Chase, Jennings, Hill and Wise on the same court at the same time last season…
I doubt that Pennell or O’Neill will ever get a chance to coach such a talented group ever again.
June 27th, 2009 at 8:31 PM
I like what MoMo is saying…..
Going to be a very good Wildcats for years.
26 straight.
http://wildcatsportsreport.com/forums-home/wsr-free-forums
July 1st, 2009 at 7:56 PM
[...] June 24: Miller’s recruiting gains even more MoMo-mentum. (What the commitment of Lamont “MoMo” Jones means for [...]
July 21st, 2009 at 9:59 PM
God Is Love (deus Car Est) (benedict Xvi)…
UPDATE: INCLUDES DIRECT QUOTES FROM SCOUTING EXPERT VAN COLEMAN AND ANALYSIS FROM SCOUT.COM’S [...]…