Elite High School Basketball Prospect Picks Arizona

Arizona quietly is putting together an elite recruiting class from the high school ranks.

It was punctuated Wednesday by the announced commitment of elite 2025 guard Brayden Burries. Ranked No. 11 nationally by 247Sports, the 6’4″ combo guard — who recently participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game — selected Arizona over the likes of Alabama, Tennessee, Oregon, and USC.

A native of Southern California, Burries had long been on the radar of scouts. He is a multi-level scorer and is best with the ball in his hands. He attacks downhill exceptionally well. When playing off the ball, Burries can be utilized as an isolation scorer — whether spotting up from three or actively going for the ball to initiate offense.

Arizona had been pursuing Burries for over a year. There was a sense he possibly was going to stay home and play for UCLA. However, the Bruins geared their interest primarily towards inking Donovan Dent and sewing up returning players.

With Caleb Love graduating, and KJ Lewis transferring, Burries should be able to walk into a starting spot alongside Jaden Bradley in the Wildcats’ backcourt.

Arizona in general has gone through some overhauling throughout the offseason. Aside from Love and Lewis departing, promising big man Henri Veesaar left for North Carolina. Trey Townsend also graduated. Carter Bryant looks like a potential first-round pick, which would then result in him potentially leaving Tucson.

Having said that, there’s no shortage of talent.

Bradley and Burries could be one of the more dynamic backcourts in the Big 12 next year. Anthony Dell’Orso and Tobe Awaka return as projected starters to give the team some experience. Koa Peat — another 5-star recruit — figures to come in right away and start at the four spot alongside.

7’2″ center Motiejus Krivas — a player the program is very high on — is also slated to return from injury. Peat and Burries will be joined by Dwayne Aristode and Bryce James as the four-man freshman group entering Tommy Lloyd’s team.