Get to Know Your Future Wildcats

Class of 2009:

Solomon Hill

6'6"

210 lbs.

Small Forward

RIVALS 150: 27th

SCOUT: 13th

ESPN: 50th

Solomon Hill is a future NBA player with tremendous upside. Here is how ESPN sees the game of this future Wildcat: "Hill has had an outstanding spring and summer and as a result he is considered a high-major point forward for the next level. His game has come a long way since his sophomore year and there is still room for improvement. He is an explosive athlete that can finish in traffic with either hand and he has a tremendous feel for the game. He once was an undersized 5-man; however, he has now blossomed into a hybrid 3-man who can play some point guard. He has a very good handle and can break down most defenders off the bounce. Once he gets into the paint area he can either score with a floater or deliver a nifty assist. He is a strong rebounder and is very good in the open court. He gets rid of the ball quickly in transition and is known for distributing quite the clever one-handed bounce pass. In order for Hill to reach his potential he needs to tighten up his jump shot. He shoots a set-shot and his release is very low and slow. He needs to continue to hone that aspect of his game or defenders will back off him and thus taking away the strength of his game which is creating off the dribble.Hill is one of the more unique prospects in the country. Although he is an inadequate shooter from the stripe, he can still dominate a game due to his savvy and skill. He has a very strong handle and despite his big frame he is able to break down defenders off the dribble. He is extremely unselfish and he plays the game like a point guard. His passing is high-level both in transition and the half-court set. In addition, he is one of the better rebounders for his size in the country. He should make an immediate impact for Arizona, but to reach his potential he'll need to tighten up his jump shot".

Jarrid Famous Rethinks Commitment to USF

The 2009 recruiting trail seems to be getting more and more interesting by the day for Arizona coach Sean Miller. Jarrid Famous, the number one rated Junior College prospect in the 09 class, has begun to re think his decision on attending the University of South Florida. After taking a visit out to Tucson in early April, Famous decided that USF would be a better fit because he would be closer to his family. As of this moment, Famous has said to be angry because "the USF staff lost two coaches after Famous committed and the situation is not “stable” said Westchester Community College Assistant Mickey Carey. Famous was said to be meeting with USF head coach Stan Heath on May 31st in order to talk about the current situation. When asked where Famous would go if he were to be let out of his LOI, Carey said "Of course he’s going to look back at the schools that were already looking at  him. He’s looking for a stable situation and the South Florida situation is not stable. This young man only has two years" Famous had previously been looking at Missouri and Arizona. 

Look Back Part Two

Here is a video that I created for fans to reminisce over the 2008-2009 Arizona Basketball season.

Arizona Wildcats Basketball: A Look Back

During the 2008-2009 basketball season, the Arizona Wildcats had tremendous highs and lows but after slipping and sliding there way into the big dance, they proved that they belonged. Here is a video reviewing what an amazing season it truly was. 

2010 UofA Recruit: Will Barton

The future looks bright for the Arizona Wildcats thanks to Sean Miller and his coaching staff. Only a month into the job, Miller has pulled in 3 top 150 recruits for the 2009 class with a possibility of adding Lance Stephenson later in the summer. The recruiting focus will now be on the 2010 class and Arizona is on the list of many future stars. One of the players that Arizona is after is 6'6 shooting guard Will Barton who is one of the best young studs in the '10 recruiting class.  Rated 5 stars on every recruiting website, Barton would be a tremendous addition to the University of Arizona. 

Will Barton Mixtape

Next Up: Doron Lamb

Game 2: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings

After a disappointing start to the conference finals, the Blackhawks look to rebound and tie the series at 1-1. The Red Wings showed why they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions and overpowered their way to a 5-2 victory in Game 1. Chicago must stay out of the penalty box in order to keep the game within reach because Detroit is deadly on the power play. 

Prediction:  Blackhawks 3 Red Wings 2

Lance Stephenson Update

The Saga Continues

The confusing and everlasting story of prized recruit Lance Stephenson appears to have no end in sight. After rumors surfaced that Stephenson was to announce his college choice in early May, there are now indications that a decision will not come until after his court date at the end of the month. Memphis, Arizona and now surprisingly Florida International are all in the hunt to land the five star guard. Stephenson has been labeled as a prima-donna who puts his needs before the team. Most colleges do not put up with these kinds of players which is why Stephenson is without a school so late in the game. Because he is likely a one and done, one would believe that Sean Miller and Arizona would be willing to take a chance in order to keep the NCAA tournament streak alive. 

NHL Western Conference Finals: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings

Experience vs. Youth 

Two of hockey's oldest franchises, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings, are set to meet in the Western Conference Finals. These two teams match up well on paper and this series should help to add more fuel to their already hated rivalry. The defending Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings boast a strong and veteran club that know how to win playoff games while the young and inexperianced Chicago group comes in riding the wave of momentum. The Red Wings won four out of six games during the season but each was closely contested. 

Prediction: Hawks take it 6

Dbacks to Fire Bob Melvin

The Arizona Diamondbacks have decided to part ways with manager Bob Melvin. After starting off to a disappointing recored of 12-17, the Diamondbacks will now have to begin a search to replace Melvin. Rumors of third base coach Chip Hale taking over the job have been shot down. 

Possible Options:

Willie Randolph

Ned Yost

Larry Bowa

BREAKING NEWS: Manny Ramirez Suspended 50 games for Violating Drug Policy

In a stunning development, the Los Angeles Dodgers super star left fielder Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games for violating the leagues drug policy. Ramirez issued a statement early Thursday morning, ''Recently, I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me," Ramirez said in a statement issued by the players' union. Ramierez goes on to say,  "Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons." Ramirez had been one of the hottest hitters in the league while boasting a .350 average with 6HR and 20RBI's. This will be a huge loss for the Dodgers who started off with a major league best record of 21-8 and a 13-0 start at home. 

Mckale Center New Court Pictures

Vancouver Canucks at Chicago Blackhawks Game 4

Canucks Lead Series (2-1)

After a seemingly sluggish performance by the Chicago Blackhawks in game 3, they look to tie up the series before heading back to Vancouver. Mistakes and little success on the power play have left the young Blackhawks at a pivotal point in their quest for the Stanley Cup. Look for the Canucks to come out fast and aggressive and if Chicago can handle this first push, they will have a successful game. 

Prediction: In a must win for the Blackhawks, rookie captain Jonathan Toews steps up and leads his team to a 2-0 win. 

Lance Stephenson Down To Memphis and Arizona

The all time points leader in New York state history has now said that he is only considering Memphis and Arizona. A source close to the situation has said "I think by the end of the week he will make up his mind". Adding Stephenson to an already potent 2009 recruiting class would be icing on the cake for Arizona head coach Sean Miller.  

BREAKING NEWS: Kevin Parrom is an Arizona Wildcat

An announcement from Kevin Parrom concerning his school choice was not expected for at least another week. But sources close to the University of Arizona have said that Parrom wants to be wearing blue and red next season. Head coach Sean Miller has already pull in top 25 small forward Solomon Hill and top 75 center Kyryl Natyazko. An official announcement will be made in the coming days. 

Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics Game 7

As one of the most incredible playoff series comes to a close, it's to be expected that Game 7 will be just as dramatic as the previous six. Boston has been playing without superstar Kevin Garnett and his absence has been sorely missed. Other injuries have left the Celtics bench in shambles and the starters are beginning to wear down. But Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will not go down without a battle. The Bulls seem to be peaking at just the right time. Ben Gordon has become a star who seems to be able to score at will and Derrick Rose is proving that people cant put the rookie label on him anymore. Rajon Rondo and Kirk Hinrich got into a scuffle during Game 6 so look for tensions to be on extreme high. 

Prediction: Celtics depth issues come back to haunt them, Ben Gordon scores 40 for and the Bulls take the series. 

A Trip to the University of Arizona

Ever wonder what really happens when a recruit visits a potential college? Here's a little insight about what Kevin Parrom will be doing this weekend. According to Ryan Hanson:

Meetings with the coaches, an academic counselor, strength and conditioning coach, and other McKale staffers.

Tour of the campus, McKale Center & Richard Jefferson Gymnasium.

Meals with the coaching staff.

Pick-up games with the current team.

Off-court time with the team.

Sean Miller also flew out UOFA 2009 commits Kyryl Natyazko and Solomon Hill to spend time with Kevin Parrom. 

Cubs vs. Marlins 5/1/09 Quick Reaction

On a chilly day on the northside of Chicago, the Cubs pulled out an 8-6 win thanks to some timely hits and some clutch pitching by their bullpen. Cubs' starter Rich Harden struggled with command while surrendering six hits and five runs in 3 and 2/3 innings. After being down 5-2 in the 6th inning, the Cubs rallied for four runs thanks in large part to a grand slam by Ryan Theriot. Closer Kevin Gregg had some difficulty in finishing the game but was able to get Hanley Ramirez to fly out to the warning track to end the game. This is only the 3rd win for the Chicago Cubs in their last 10 games. Game 3 of the series will be tomorrow afternoon with a pitching matchup of Anibal Sanchez (FL) vs. Ted Lilly (CHC).

Lance Stephenson Crosses Two More Schools Off List

Arizona recruit Lance Stephenson has officially made public that he is no longer interested in attending St. John's or Maryland.“At this point [St. John's is] out,” an unnamed source said. “They’re not a high priority for us. Maryland coach [Gary Williams] embraced Lance, but for some reason that wasn’t the right move.” Although Stephenson and Arizona have not set a recruiting visit it was said by that same unnamed source that “I wouldn’t be surprised if he verballed without stepping foot on campus.” At this point, Stephenson is mulling offers from Memphis, Arizona, and UCLA.

Chicago vs. Vancouver Game 1 Summary

In Vancouver, the Canucks capitalized on the Blackhawks penalty mistakes and took game one 5-3. After taking a 3 goal lead into the third period, the Canucks watched as rookie forward Patrick Kane led the Blackhawks back to tie the game at 3-3. The Canucks were able to get a late goal by Sami Salo with under two minutes remaining in the game. An empty net goal with ten seconds left sealed the victory for the Canucks.

Game Two will be Saturday night in Canada.