Jones and Johnson are key names to UA recruiting
Arizona to have in-home visit with James Johnson on Sept. 9
By Javier Morales
Chances are if a top-flight recruit’s last name is Jones or Johnson, he is being courted by UA coach Sean Miller and his staff.
The latest news is Bryce Jones, a 6-foot-5 small forward from Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft High School, will unofficially visit the UA campus the weekend of Aug. 28-29. Another Jones, combo forward Terrence Jones of Portland (Ore.) Jefferson, told Scout.com recently that Arizona is one of a handful of schools who have scheduled an in-home visit, most likely around the time visits are allowed by the NCAA to begin Sept. 9.
James Johnson, a power forward from Wildomar (Calif.) Elsinore High School, took an unofficial visit of the UA and ASU facilities last weekend. Johnson’s father, Ted Johnson, told WILDABOUTAZCATS.com Tuesday night that Arizona will be the first school to see the Johnson family for an in-home visit on Sept. 9.
ASU will follow on Sept. 10. Georgia Tech will visit the family Sept. 15. Washington State is trying to schedule an in-home visit as well. The elder Johnson said his son will take an official visit to Cal the first weekend of September. They are uncertain about the possible two other schools James will officially visit.
Arizona already has a verbal commitment from Class of 2011 power forward Sidiki Johnson of Brooklyn. Furthermore, Miller and his staff are hot on the trail of Class of 2011 guard Nick Johnson, who is leaving Gilbert to play at Findlay Prep in Henderson (Nev.) this school year.
Potential change of plans for James Johnson. A couple of factors may prohibit James Johnson from taking an unofficial visit to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas this weekend, as was originally planned.
Ted Johnson said he and his son will fly standby, waiting for a possibility that two seats might be open when they attempt to fly to Norman, Okla. The elder Johnson’s brother and sister work for Southwest Airlines, as did he, and he has two standby vouchers.
“We are hoping to have James see his grandma and grandpa, my wife’s parents, who live up there by Norman,” Ted Johnson said. “We also wanted James to be part of Oklahoma’s elite camp there Saturday. But now it seems everything is up in the air. When we made the plans a couple of months ago, we didn’t realize that James would have already started school.
“Where he was last year (at San Diego’s Morse High School), they don’t start until after Labor Day. With James in school now, we don’t want him to lose any class time. So if we make it to Oklahoma, that might be it. We might have to skip Oklahoma State and we’ll definitely not visit Texas as we first hoped to do.”
The elder Johnson joked that his son told him, “I don’t even want to go to Oklahoma,” after they returned from their visits to Arizona and ASU over the weekend.
“James was so impressed by those visits and those coaches — Coach Miller and (ASU) Coach (Herb) Sendek — and he knows he will be meeting with another fantastic coach in Jeff Capel at Oklahoma,” Ted Johnson said. “He knows that will make his decision that much harder.”
Miller let the Johnsons know how much the UA staff wants the 5-star recruit (according to Scout.com) by being the first to schedule the in-home visit and by having a program made with James Johnson’s picture on it when the Johnsons visited Saturday. The program detailed the day’s itinerary for the Johnsons.
“I just got off the phone with Coach Miller a half-hour ago,” Ted Johnson said Tuesday night. “I told him we were expecting a lot of the U of A heading into the visit, but what he did exceeded our expectations. He rolled out the red carpet and it felt like an official visit.
“Everything was like clockwork and they stuck to the itinerary on the program they made. I had talked to Coach Miller a while back that I wanted James to meet representatives of Athletes In Action, and by gosh, Coach Miller remembered and had us meet for a half-hour with those guys.
“He went with us on the tour of all the facilities. The breaking down of the film at the end is what blew me away. He showed us game film of what he did with power forwards at Xavier and what he would do for James at that position. I can easily see James playing for Coach Miller at Arizona. We were that impressed.”
Bryce Jones scouting report. The Woodland Hills small forward is also being recruited by ASU in addition to USC, Missouri, Washington, Washington State, Marquette and Syracuse.
According to Greg Hicks of Scout.com, Bryce Jones, “is one of the top small forwards in the west for 2010. Jones has a prototype wing body and he’s an above-average athlete. He’s most effective slashing to the basket, but has the ability to post up inside or play on the perimeter as well.”
USC coach Kevin O’Neill might be the toughest competition for Bryce Jones’ services. He took an unofficial visit to USC the first week of August.
Other visits scheduled for the Arizona campus other than Bryce Jones’ unofficial tour Aug. 28: Concord (Mass.) Middlesex small forward Rod Odom on Sept. 12-13 for an official visit; and Jayvaughn Pinkston, a power forward from Brooklyn, indicated recently to NYCHoops.net through his AAU coach that he will visit Arizona at about the same time as Odom. All scheduled visits are tentative and subject to change.
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Tags: Bryce Jones, James Johnson, Jayvaughn Pinkston, Nick Johnson, Rod Odom, Sean Miller, Sidiki Johnson, Ted Johnson, Terrell Jones, UA basketball recruiting
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August 18th, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Javy, I don’t know a Terrell Jones, is that another name for Terrence Jones?
August 18th, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Yes sir. It’s been corrected.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:03 AM
How long before Kanter is a top priority for the UA staff and every other coaching staff.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:30 AM
Javy,
GREAT STUFF!
Very good IN HOUSE article.
The FIRST to report the IN HOUSE visits.
The IN HOUSE visit is the next key element in the recruiting process.
Looks like a “picture” is worth a million words.
Very effective tool in communicating to the Johnson recruit – video.
Note:
YOU seem to SHINE with dealing with recruits and the parents.
YOUR timing is very good and produces some very good insightful article/write-ups.
2010:
JJohnson
PAYNE
T.Jones
2011
Angel
Angelo.
Nich Johnson
Wroten
K. Witjer
Michael Chandler?….Is he ready to De-Commit???
___________________________________________
Looks like the “heavens above” maybe bring Arizona two Angels.
(heavens above was a post in the ESPX wildcatsports forum which was DELETED by GazzHo and Braddie. It was an add-ON to your JL curse story ….)
August 19th, 2009 at 2:49 AM
The ARIZONA Mystic….Heaven Above.
About two months ago, ESPX Sportreporters deleted a thread by WildcatZona. The thread/story discussed the strange actions which have occurred since the Miller hire. (Erika and Brad blew it by deleted the thread….no creditability from those).
As an ADD ON to Javy’s JL curse and the Arizoan Mystic…..
There is growing and growing stories coming from the West Coast.
The Arizona mystic is becoming a more talked about tale.
And ARIZONA’s tale has taken another step forward.
The addition of Angel Nunez and Angelo …..translates into TWO angels going to Arizona.
Some folks are superstitions.
Angel talked about the hispanic community in Tucson .
They and Angel have certain beliefs.
Does the belief provide an insight TO the Nunez family?
Another sign from above. (sign #2)
It is no coincidence that Sidiki is an Arizona Wildcat. (sign #1)
Imagine the talk when they hear of Angel and Angelo being Arizona Wildcats.
Two ANGLES are better than ONE.
Bear Down.
August 19th, 2009 at 2:55 AM
This is what we call GET SOME……ARIZONA style.
James Johnson…..defense and running the floor.
With a WILDCAT finish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-lmKX79k8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwildaboutazcats%2Ecom%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Fjones%2Dand%2Djohnson%2Dare%2Dkey%2Dnames%2Dto%2Dua%2Drecruiting%2Fcomment%2Dpage%2D1%2F%23comment%2D52801&feature=player_embedded
August 19th, 2009 at 3:09 AM
The next TWO MAIN RECRUITs for 2010:
A. Payne:
UK and Kansas have set up IN HOUSE visits already.
In this case, being the FIRST is not the best strategy for Zona.
Due to Miller character, it would be good to have Mr. Grandma Payne meet the others. Cali is so slick and www goes without saying. Grandma will notice this ,very transparent. (how much of an influence will the AAU coach be?)
WVirgina with ALL of its basketball issues and problems- two major black eyes.
Self maybe the dark horse. But, playing time ,at KU, will be an issue for Payne.
T.Jones will NOT sign until the late period.
So, more communication about ARIZONA offensive style will ONLY help the staff.
The IN HOUSE should provide the fast pace offense that he is desiring.
The T. Jones Arizona video should leave a lasting impression. (similiar to what was presented to Johnson.)
PS-
Javy…I presume that Ted is reading your articles.
So, TED may have some WORDS for the WILDCAT NATION.
Bear Down.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:43 AM
Well…..Looks like all of the talking done on this SITE is being realized by the nation.
THE IMPORTANCE of FINDLAY and Peck TO ARIZONA.
Yes, we talked about Find for more than 2 months and its HIGH importance to the Arizona Wildcats.
ONE THING IS FOR SURE…..Arizona needs to take it glooves OFF and do battle with U T . They have a strong relationship and one which Arizona needs to break. Arizona must be the no1 place for these Peck players. And NOT UT.
This is the start for Find (initial stages of building a National power)
….so, ARIZONA needs to be the TOP CAT for the Find players.
Note:
Does this put much more importance on C. Joseph coming to Arizona?
A dual package from Find ,in 10.
Followed by N. Johnson in 11.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Hmm.. (Just a thought) Terrence Jones, James Johnson, Bryce Jones, seems like a very good class, not exactly my original wish list, but still good.
Is it possible that Bryce Jones could turn out to be similar to another under the radar UA recruit (Gilbert Arenas).
August 19th, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Agree that somehow bagging Terrence Jones and James Johnson would constitute a very good class on its own.
Nic Wise will be gone and there’s only one open scholarship so there will need to be a transfer if you want more players. So let’s say there is. But there will be a need for point guard help (i.e., not Bryce Jones) unless it turns out that MoMo, Garland, Hill, etc. can develop into an adequate PG timeshare.
The recent evals still point to shooting as an area of improvement for Bryce Jones. So even if there is a spot for another wing player, Jones might be a fall-back option, kind of a project (not to say that those never pan out). He seems to have great qualities of size, athleticism, engine, hustle, etc.
How high will that “Arizona good” bar be set, how soon?
August 19th, 2009 at 2:09 PM
I bet UA takes the first of Jones, Johnson or Payne to commit (PF/C) and then the first PG (Joseph, McCallum, King, Blue, etc). Why get another forward/SG when we have plenty. Save the scholorship for 2011. We have S Johnson as a big forward and if we used all 3 scholorships in 2010 that would leave no room for N Johnson. He would be a nice 5* guard addition and in state product. I have to think that Miller wants him bad! Don’t start counting eggs (transfers) before they happen for extra scholorships in 2011. If everyone stays then you work yourself out of a great recruit. But I guess Miller gets the big bucks to make those decisions….
August 19th, 2009 at 3:05 PM
At least two players recruited by Olson will transfer this year. The depth with the 5 incoming freshmen is much better than last year so players that had a hard time getting on the court last year will find it even harder this year. There are a few players that will not leave either because of talent or it does not make sense for them to do so (Fogg will stay because he is a talent, Jacobsen already used his redshirt). That leaves Laveander, Shumpert and Judkins. On potential 2010 commits I would like to see either Joseph or McCallum as the next PG. Personally I really like McCallum and would take him over Joseph. There was just something about McCallum that I like when I watched him play in Vegas that made me think he is the right PG for Zona. I think Kanter going to Findaly prep could workout in Zona’s favor as well. We already have a European player plus he are recruiting to of his teammates in Joseph and Nick Johnson if he land either of them we may come out ahead in the Kanter recruiting if Miller and staff want him.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:38 PM
UAWildcat
True someone will have to sit….but those players came in as low profile recruits. Bayless (was never supposed to be a one and done supposedly), chase, nic Horne and jennings (and the KU transfer) were supposed be there stars while they were here. Did they expect to come in and see tons of PT? With all the drama their expectations may have changed a bit but from the start I’m not sure if they expected to see significant PT before their JR year. They were to be the roll players.
And I agree w/ you on McCallum. He may not be the highest rated but that is fine with me. Guys like Simon and Bibby were not the biggest, strongest, fastest or best shooters….but boy could they play. They knew where to be and how to use their bodies well. McCallum seems to have that.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:48 PM
For PG:
either choices are Arizona Good: Ray, CJ or V.Blue.
From a long term perspective, Joseph is a priority.
But, CJ seems to be hanging out with his brother which may not hold well for Zona.
So, Ray appears to be the guy.
Blue is still working on the grades.
T.Jones is a must get.
The communication with TJ, prior to the Nike Challenge, MUST of improved.
I was not impressed with the communication with TJ and his little knowledge of Arizona, prior to.
Then, Payne or EK or JJ.
If Grandma Payne becomes a bigger influence with A.P…then ARIZONA is in the hunt. And WV and UK are less likely to get Payne.
The IN HOUSE visit should set the stage….Miller will leave a real good impression with grandma and AP.
Almost good to follow “in house visits” from coaches like Cali and Bobbie…SLICK and rough-”bull-ish”,
The OFFICIAL visit can seal the deal.
Imagine if Arizona get two of these! Wow!
Note:
The WAR has started for Findlay.
N.Johnson going to Findlay was ONE shot for Arizona.
Arizona should be able to secure NJ.
The SOONER the BETTER for Zona.
The WAR is against UT, Univ. of reverse horns- Texass.
Arizona MUST remove UT as the priority school for Findlay.
To WIN, it will take a collective effort.
Not just Miller and staff or the UofA admin./PR….
TexASS must go down!
What is at stack….the TOP RECRUITs from the West Coast.
Arizona is making very good progress with the top East Coast ballers.
What is at stack…are National Championships.
.,
August 19th, 2009 at 6:00 PM
The FINDLAY War – Arizona vs UT.
I would like the UofA admin to finalize a yearly contract with Findlay.
To have Findlay and other top HS as a feature game at the UofA campus.
Imagine establishing a YEARLY game which features Findlay and Oak.
An early season game…..to get things going.
Oak Hill- Smith would love this game.
Both teams would play against two other top high school.
Not against themselves….thus, setting up a showdown for the HS championship.
MAKE it happen….
Friday games. (where Arizona played the day before and on Saturday.)
I wonder what Smith and Peck would have to say about such a proposal?
Javy , knows both of them….
August 19th, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Breaking News..
Memphis gets a baby slap on the wrist.
Yes, Memphis gets off scott FREE from the NCAA.
The final four for Memphis is gone….big deal.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Memphis …
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/aug/19/source-memphis-tigers-will-forfeit-2008s-record-ba/
Well, the NCAA is about FIVE weeks late on its penality.
And it is a baby slap on the wrist.
The obvious penality was the forefeit of the final four. This is a given.
NCAA big dissappointment.
Note:
Another black mark on Cali and WWW.
I guess, Kentucky is next with the inadequate NCAA investigation.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:22 PM
LOOKS like the NCAA is gearing up …to go up against Cali and WWW.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/aug/20/geoff-calkins-ncaa-ruling-less-about-memphis-more-/
August 20th, 2009 at 1:44 AM
drivera
Judkins, Shumpert and Fogg were all late additions for the 2008 class. All three knew that Bayless and Jennings would not be playing college ball. In fact Judkins was heading to prep school before Jennings decided to go to Europe. So he at least thought there would be playing time.
August 20th, 2009 at 8:06 AM
Yes, Portland CatFan, I realize we only have 2 scholarships for the 2010 class, and 1 for 2011 class, at this time. If it weren’t for the USC fiasco, we would have had two more but, how could we have passed on Momo and Williams when they became available, they could turn out to be the best two additions to this years team. As the year plays out, and Coach Miller installs his system, it will become obvious who will play and who will not and may want to go elsewhere for floortime. As it appears (to an outsider) now, Shumpert, Judkins, and Lavender seem to have the toughest challenge to elevate their game and stay competitive for playing time. Shumpert/Jacobson could be in a battle as to who is the practice/sub big man. Judkins and Lavender are competing with Momo and Fogg for the PG (of course once Wise is gone) and/or SG spot. As the team jells it would not be a surprise if one or two of these players go the transfer route. This would not be a bad thing for the program, as everyone would like to see a 3 or 4 player class every year, to keep the program fluid and less vulnerable to early departures or surprises (injuries, suspensions, eligibility problems). So who knows what will happen, but for the first time that I can remember, we are almost looking forward (rather than dreading) to see who will stay and who will go.
As far as the PG situation goes after Nic Wise leaves, I admit that I have high expectations for Momo Jones. After watching and reading up on his development (and being familiar with where he comes from and understanding the strength it takes to overcome the obstacles) over the past several months, I see the potential for great things from the young man. Under the tutelage of the Millers, and Nic Wise, he has the tools and opportunity to become something special. I did make a reference to a Bryce Jones/ Gibert Arenas comparison for a reason. I could envision (I know I’m dreaming, but isn’t that what these blogs are all about) the second coming of a Gardner/Arenas backcourt with Momo Jones and Bryce Jones (OK or maybe King/Zeigler/N. Johnson). Of course if we happen to land McCallum (is it just me or does he remind you of an athletic Jason Kidd), Pressey, or Releford, so much the better.
August 20th, 2009 at 12:02 PM
UAWildcat
But at that point they expected Gaddy to be here in 2009 as the starter. IMO (and i keep in mind i have not seen a pick up game or know the dynamics of the team or their thoughts) Judkins and Lavender came here is role players. Who is to say they do not embrace that. And Shumpert was handed a gift. He know he had no business being a starter at UA. He may be counting his blessings and enjoying the ride gumby style. Point being i think Miller takes only two commitments (a PG and a big untill/unless there is a transfer) for 2010. I don’t see Miller over recruiting. Like someone stated before 1 and 5 man classes are not ideal. It is better to go with 2-3 man classes year to year.
August 20th, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I will agree that they all came as role players but they wanted some minutes and at this rate only one will be getting minutes. With the incoming class and next years class wether it’s a 2 or 3 man class they will not play unless the game is out of reach in the last couple of minutes. Let’s not forget that these kids were the best players in their high school and for many of them it is hard to forget that fact. I think Shumpert and Lavender showed they accepted the role of being seldomly used. Judkins on the other hand did not seem to happy on the bench when his minutes went to Fogg, plus the off the court drama that he was envolved with does not help.
August 20th, 2009 at 3:12 PM
True. And i’m sure once the thought of being a larger contributer came into play (last year’s drama) for Lavender or Judkins, it is hard to get rid of that thought.
It will be intersting to see how it all plays out both on the court (which Frosh transition nicely and who improved from last year) and off (how the recruits start to fall). It is so random because one recruit committing to Kentucky in the fall will affect 5 other schools domino style as the recruits start to commit. Both schools and kids are holding cards and nobody wants to show!
August 20th, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Based on GROWING disbelief on the NCAA penalities on Memphis…
The NCAA is in damage control.
The infractions committee said it struck hard with its penalties because the ineligible player was used the ENTIRE season.
STRUCK HARD? No one is buying this.
But wait, there is MORE.
The committee also said the player’s brother received free transportation on the team’s charter plane and hotel lodging that season. Investigators said the total cost would have come to $1,713.85. Such an arrangement is considered an impermissible extra benefit.
“Neither the travel coordinator nor the business director had an explanation as to how the brother was permitted to board without having paid for the two flights,” the NCAA report said.
MEMPHIS COULD NOT EXPLAIN the FREE TRAVEL , EITHER.
Note:
The Memphis woman team was STRUCK HARDER than the numerous basketball violations.
“women’s golf team also received three years probation and lost a scholarship”
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
August 20th, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Good point Jessie. You have probably read this but here is a link to what one of
the Mephis sports writer had to say in todays Memphis paper
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/aug/20/geoff-calkins-course-calipari-knew-now-its-all-aca/
August 21st, 2009 at 7:55 AM
Found this on another UA blog:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Pdu52IXDw&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Thanx to Haley
August 21st, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Javier,
I find it repugnant that JessieWildcat continues to plagarize without acknowledging his sources.
In an earlier posting here he has a link to a Memphis Commercial Appeal column by Geoff Calkins. Then in the next posting he quotes the entire column (minus the first line in the posting which I guess he wrote). The implication in my mind was that these were his words when in fact they were not.
If I were Calkins I’d demand a retraction and/or explanation.
August 21st, 2009 at 8:50 AM
H M-R: most of us have been asking Jessie to cite his sources for many months. if for no other reason, i want to read the articles in their originally intended format without his, um, interesting takes. unfortunately he is unwilling to do this. i’d generally assume someone would do this kind of thing in an attempt to assume credit for the writings, but not even Jessie could believe that anyone would confuse lucid, well-written pieces with something he wrote. i usually just find a particularly pointed sentence or two and copy/paste it to google so as to find it’s original context…usually works nicely.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:50 AM
H M-R: I deleted his post. As the_dude has mentioned, all posters have been warned that they can not post entire articles from pay sites and they must attribute any outside information. We thank those who have continued to post commentary here for their insight and general involvement of UA sports. If anybody has something to say, say it with an opinion with a link to the article. We will carry forward a strict policy for this to happen. I have only banned two posters since this site started back in February for violating the Web site’s policies in regard to conduct. I don’t want to ban any more but I will if this happens again. Thanks for your input on this H M-R.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:09 AM
HMR,
Sorry about the confusion on the Memphis Appeal link and then the quote of the article.
I first provided the link.
But, I find it easier to read the a portion and/or the article so, I posted some of it as a follow up.
I also do NOT like when things get Hijacked.
Where “others” copy and post on other internet sites.
Peace.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Gary,
Thanks for the link.
YOU must love this writer, GEOFF CALKINS, is going OFF on Cali.
Big Time…
Loved this…
“Calipari knew that Rose cheated on his SAT. He may well have set it up himself.
The fact that the NCAA didn’t go ahead and connect these dots in its decision Thursday doesn’t mean that the rest of us can pretend they don’t exist.”
FINALLY a sports reporter which is being brutually honest.
DOESN”T mean that the REST of US can pretend they don’t EXIST.
I am becoming a Geoff fan.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:28 AM
nd Johnson are key names to UA recruiting | WILDABOUTAZCATS.COM? Seriously? I was searching Google for west chase golf course and found this… will have to think about it.
September 19th, 2009 at 2:38 AM
Great post! I truly am getting heavy into this subject. Do you happen to know where I may find any connected forums? Thanks