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Sean Miller had put together quite a stable of young talent heading into next season: James Akinjo, Kerr Kriisa, Dalen Terry, Bennedict Mathurin, Tautvilas Tubelis, Christian Koloko and Jordan Brown, with Shane Nowell (brother of Jalen Nowell), KJ Simpson and Shane Dezonie all signed.
With Miller out, possibly someone entirely unconnected to "A Player's Program" entering the fray as head coach (ahem, Tommy Lloyd), and the free-for-all transfer portal, it's unclear how many of these guys will stick around in Blue and Red for next season. Akinjo and Mathurin have already signaled they intend to test draft waters; though, it's unclear how seriously they will be taken as prospects (clearly, Mathurin more so than Akinjo).
Some people on social media have pointed out how the Cats picked the bones of USC when Tim Floyd was frozen out by Garrett and ultimately resigned, causing SC to lose Derrick Williams and Momo Jones.
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Now, I don't think Miller had a future national player of the year signed like Derrick Williams, but USC was very interested in KJ Simpson back in the fall, before he committed to Sean Miller. The issue now, however, is that USC is very involved with Melo Trimble's brother, Seth, and taking KJ Simpson would probably send Seth off in a different direction. Note that Seth recently said that he doesn't intend to commit until July or August.
Another intriguing guy is Akinjo. I've never been a huge fan, but there's no question he made the difference at the Galen Center, and he did have a strong end to the season. It's highly unlikely Akinjo is a draftable guy right now, and he apparently was VERY, VERY close with Miller; so returning to Tucson also seems unlikely. That all being said, Akinjo is the dictionary definition of a ball dominant guard. He's also a Bay Area, not SoCal, kid.
Arizona also has some quality bigs, especially in Tubelis and Brown; but unless Isaiah Mobley were to leave, I don't see SC pursuing either.
With Miller out, possibly someone entirely unconnected to "A Player's Program" entering the fray as head coach (ahem, Tommy Lloyd), and the free-for-all transfer portal, it's unclear how many of these guys will stick around in Blue and Red for next season. Akinjo and Mathurin have already signaled they intend to test draft waters; though, it's unclear how seriously they will be taken as prospects (clearly, Mathurin more so than Akinjo).
Some people on social media have pointed out how the Cats picked the bones of USC when Tim Floyd was frozen out by Garrett and ultimately resigned, causing SC to lose Derrick Williams and Momo Jones.
#USC Who remembers when Tim Floyd was released from his duties as Trojans head basketball coach and which P12 team took all of his recruits?
— Marc Kulkin (@MarcKulkin) April 7, 2021
Is it time for some payback?🤔 https://t.co/qb8WQp4JPN
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Now, I don't think Miller had a future national player of the year signed like Derrick Williams, but USC was very interested in KJ Simpson back in the fall, before he committed to Sean Miller. The issue now, however, is that USC is very involved with Melo Trimble's brother, Seth, and taking KJ Simpson would probably send Seth off in a different direction. Note that Seth recently said that he doesn't intend to commit until July or August.
Another intriguing guy is Akinjo. I've never been a huge fan, but there's no question he made the difference at the Galen Center, and he did have a strong end to the season. It's highly unlikely Akinjo is a draftable guy right now, and he apparently was VERY, VERY close with Miller; so returning to Tucson also seems unlikely. That all being said, Akinjo is the dictionary definition of a ball dominant guard. He's also a Bay Area, not SoCal, kid.
Arizona also has some quality bigs, especially in Tubelis and Brown; but unless Isaiah Mobley were to leave, I don't see SC pursuing either.
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