Kyryl Natyazhko
Sean Miller, Arizona’s new men’s head basketball coach, has landed his first recruiting prize.
Center Kyryl Natyazhko has decided to commit to the Wildcats instead of Arizona State University.
Natyazhko, a 6-foot-10, 250-pound center, made his decision official after Saturday night’s all-star game in Louisville, Ky.
“There were some other elements, but it just came down to his relationship with (new Arizona coach) Sean (Miller),” said Vince Walden, Natyazhko’s coach, told the Arizona Republic on Saturday.
Miller had recruited him while at Xavier.
He averaged 24 points and nine rebounds a game for IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He was listed as the ninth best big man and the 75th best player overall by rivals.com . He was listed at No. 68 by scout.com.
UA and Miller, less than a week into being named the head coach, have a number of scholarships (maybe as many as six) available for next year’s recruiting class. Earlier this week, juniors Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill declared for the NBA draft. It’s not clear what junior guard Nic Wise will do about next season.
He has stated that it’s “more than likely’’ test the waters to see where his draft status is.
The spring signing period begins on Wednesday.