Arizona adds 4-star center to No. 1 recruiting class
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Sean Miller continues to build a better future for the University of Arizona basketball program, getting a commitment Sunday morning from four-star center Chance Comanche.
Comanche, from Beverly Hills (Calif.) High School, adds to an already impressive recruiting class that is sure to finish among the best in the country.
Scout.com ranked Arizona's class second nationally behind Louisville before Comanche committed on an official visit to Tucson. After the commitment, Scout.com recruiting analyst Evan Daniel tweeted that the Wildcats would jump over the Cardinals, at least for now.
In each of the past four years, Miller's recruiting classes have landed in the national top five.
Comanche (6-11, 205) is rated as the 44th-best player, and 12th-best center, in the 2015 class by Scout.com.
Comanche has already grown six inches while in high school, and he is seen as a player with plenty of upside as he gains strength.
I've decided that I'm going to the University of Arizona ?❤️?? #BearDown
— Chance Comanche (@comanche2414) September 14, 2014
Wrote Josh Gershon, the West Coast recruiting analyst for Scout.com:
"He hasn't stopped growing and he's a player with good upside who, once he finally is able to put on strength, should be able to really come into his own.
"Comanche can finish with both hands in the paint and he's very comfortable facing the basket; his midrange jumper has made a big jump over the last couple years and he can either hit it off the catch or do a one-dribble pull-up.
"He's an unselfish player and a good passer; if you give him the ball in the high post he knows how to throw it over the defense and into his teammate's hands."
Comanche's other finalists included UCLA, N.C. State, UConn and Arizona State.
He joins a class that includes 6-7 wing Ray Smith (No. 12 nationally), 6-5 guard Allonzo Trier (No. 13) and 6-5 guard Justin Simon (No. 17).
Arizona's recruiting class is likely not over. Junior forward Brandon Ashley, junior center Kaleb Tarczewski, sophomore forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and freshman wing Stanley Johnson are likely candidates for the NBA after this season. Senior starting point guard T.J. McConnell will complete his eligibility, as will backup big man Matt Korcheck.
The priority is adding more size, with power forward Ivan Rabb (No. 5 overall nationally) as a prime target. Rabb is expected to wait until the spring to sign.