Coach Herb Sendek provided more evidence that the Sun Devil basketball program will continue to be perennial conference contenders when he received a commitment from Mesa High School guard Jahii Carson on Saturday.
Carson is an explosive 5’11” point guard who will be staying in-state after he de-committed from Oregon State after a junior season in which he set school records with 23.5 points and 7.2 assists per game. He was ranked in the top 12 nationally among all point guard recruits in the class of 2011 by numerous scouting services. He also attracted interest from Arizona, St. John’s, Washington and UCLA.
The commitment of Carson is yet another sign that the tenure of Sendek has been a rousing success, and more than just a two year flash in the James Harden pan. Since his arrival in Tempe, he has guided the Devils to three consecutive 20-win seasons and an NCAA tournament appearance. Such success has allowed him to sign the elite recruits that traditionally have bypassed ASU. Included in the 2010 class are three players with 90+ ratings by Scouts Inc., led by forward Keala King who is an ESPNU Top 100 player.
Carson’s signing also comes on the heels of another top Arizona high school star, guard Corey Hawkins of Estrella Foothills, choosing ASU. Sendek’s ability to land top in-state talent, which historically has shunned ASU for the University of Arizona, is another example that the pendulum of collegiate basketball power in Arizona may have swung to ASU’s favor for the first time in nearly three decades since Lute Olson arrived in Tucson.
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Comments
ASU got sloppy seconds. Carson was Arizona's 2nd choice. They got their first choice. Carson didn't go to Arizona because he wouldn't get the playing tim.e.
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