What Jack would bring to the Wildcats in 2010-11
by Javier Morales on Jan. 10, 2010, under Sports
Kadeem Jack of New York City would add a much-needed rebounding and defensive presence in the paint for Arizona next season (Kadeem Jack photo)
If New York Rice High School forward Kadeem Jack opts to attend a Division I school next season, he could diversify Arizona’s lineup.
The Wildcats can go big with scoring potential from Derrick Williams, Solomon Hill and Jamelle Horne (who will be a senior) along with Jack. Occasionally, the UA can have on the floor: Hill at off-guard, Williams at small forward, Horne at power forward and Jack (6-8 and 200) at the post. Jack is lean but he reportedly is relentless around the basket, especially on the boards — a void UA coach Sean Miller wants to fill.
Jack would also understand his role with the Cats as an interior presence (his offense reportedly is confined around the paint).
An intriguing aspect of Jack, who started playing competitive basketball in the last couple of years, is that he is considering attending a prep school next season and become eligible in 2011 instead. He is considering this alternative to further develop as a student and basketball player. One area he wants to improve is his overall strength.
If Jack decides to play for a prep school next season, his recruitment to Arizona would hit a standstill because the Cats already have a commitment from a Class of 2011 power forward: Sidiki Johnson of St. Benedict’s in Newark, N.J. On the other hand, if Jack is impressed with Arizona after his official visit Jan. 23-24, he could sign in the spring and become a factor right away in the program.
Heralded point guard Josh Selby of Baltimore Lake Clifton is visiting this weekend and will attend Sunday’s game against Washington. Miller has at least two scholarships to fill — that number might grow with more transfers — and a class of Phoenix North guard Daniel Bejarano, Jack and Selby for the Class of 2010 would be one of the top 10 in the country.
Can you imagine the lineup I mentioned with Williams, Hill, Horne and Jack with Selby bringing the ball up the court. The athleticism and size of that lineup will bring back memories of 2000-01 with Jason Gardner, Gilbert Arenas, Richard Jefferson, Michael Wright and Loren Woods. Of course, Woods was a 7-footer and a blocked-shot extraordinaire, but Jack reportedly has a long wingspan and is tenacious on defense. I am not writing next year’s team will be as good as the 2000-01 group; I’m only comparing the athleticism and overall size of the lineup.
The rotation next year could also include Bejarano, Kyle Fogg, Kevin Parrom, Lamont “MoMo” Jones and Kyryl Natyazhko. After the season is completed in March, it potentially will be one of the most interesting off-seasons in terms of player movement (in and out of the program) in the history of the program.
Bejarano, who has already signed a national letter of intent, is averaging 19.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game for North, which is 11-2 overall.
