Five-star forward Leaf headed to Arizona
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Arizona just signed four members of its 2015 class, which will end the early signing period as the top-rated class in the country. The Wildcats have three five-star prospects along with a high-four star recruit in the group so far with the hopes of adding another five-star big man into the mix this spring.
However, the recruiting world we live in never stops and the for the Wildcats it was a case of the rich getting richer Wednesday. Five-star forward T.J. Leaf ended his recruitment early and gave Sean Miller his first commitment of the 2016 class when he announced his decision to play his college basketball for the Wildcats.
Leaf, who plays his high school ball at El Cajon (Calif.) Foothills Christian, is currently rated as the No. 17 prospect in the 2016 class and he had become the Wildcats top priority in the class already. The 6-foot-10 prospect chose Arizona over a final list that included Florida, UCLA, Michigan, and Duke.
The versatile forward visited Arizona for its Red-Blue game, and that eventually sealed the deal for the Wildcats. Shortly after that Leaf cancelled a planned visit to Duke and just last week he announced that he was ready to make his decision.
"It was great," Leaf said about his experience at Arizona earlier this month. "The Red-Blue game was great, and I loved the atmosphere. I love the coaching staff, and I love what they're doing down there. It's a really premier program. ... They use their forwards really well, and it's kind of how I want to be used."
With his ability to shoot, rebound, and pass the ball along with being able to play inside and out the Wildcats made Leaf a big priority as things started to progress. That message has been clear to Leaf and he likes the fit with Miller's program.
"They recruit California a lot and SoCal pretty much the most out of everyone else," he said. "I've heard from them a lot and I really like what they tell me."
The big forward has improved his skill set over his career, and he feels his ability to do a lot of different things out on the floor made him a highly sought after prospect.
"A lot of coaches just love my versatility," he said. "I can go out there and play multiple positions, and that's what a lot of programs are looking for. People who can shoot is a commodity - especially at 6-10 - so that helps me as well."
Leaf is the 12th five-star recruit Arizona has earned a commitment from during Miller's time at the school, and the fourth during this calendar year so far. Arizona offered Leaf last December after Miller watched him in action.
Click Here to view this Link.Matt Moreno
GOAZCATS.com Senior Recruiting Editor