![]() UA recruit Solomon Alabi, left, blocks the shot of Ralph Sampson III during the July All-American Camp in Indianapolis.
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Wildcats still recruiting for '07Two Top 25 prospects to visit UA campus this weekend
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.14.2006
Arizona could add a third Top 25 prospect to its 2007 basketball recruiting class if this weekend's visits from Kyle Singler and Solomon Alabi go well.
Already, the Wildcats have five committed players for the class of 2007, including Top 25 players Jerryd Bayless and Jamelle Horne, but are expected to make room if either Singler or Alabi commits.
Their reasoning is obvious: Singler, a well-rounded 6-foot-8-inch wing from Medford, Ore., is rated among the top five high school seniors.
Alabi, a 7-1 center from Nigeria, arrived on the recruiting circuit this summer after only playing one year of organized basketball at Montverde Academy (Fla). He is rated No. 24 by Rivals.com and 42nd by Scout.com.
Both players are expected to be on hand for the UA's hourlong practice Friday at 2 p.m., and an ensuing pick-up game at McKale Center.
While Alabi is considering Virginia and Florida State, Singler is scheduled to visit Duke next weekend and Kansas on Oct. 13.
Singler's father, Ed, said via e-mail that his son has eliminated Washington, despite a respect for Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar, and also might take an official visit to UCLA.
"Kyle would not be taking this visit if he were not interested in Arizona," Ed Singler said via e-mail. "He has never been on campus, so he felt it was important to see, firsthand, what it was like. Kyle is very aware of the basketball excellence and tradition of Arizona."
Singler's coach at South Medford High School, Dennis Murphy, said Arizona was among the earliest schools to recruit him.
"They got into him a long time ago," Murphy said. "I know he has a great respect for coach Olson and the things he's done."
While Singler has been among the most well-known of the 2007 prospects, playing alongside Bayless on USA Basketball's Under-18 team this summer, Alabi was a late arrival to the elite circle.
Alabi's coach at Montverde, Kevin Sutton, said he was not surprised to see Alabi jump in the rankings this summer. Sutton compared Alabi to UCLA's Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, formerly a fast-rising prospect from Cameroon who also played at Montverde.
"Solomon's defense is ahead of his offense now, but he's very athletic, very mobile. He had good hands and footwork," Sutton said. "He's a very good free-throw shooter, a tremendous passer and, as a person, he's even better. He's a gentleman with a great personality."
Sutton said Alabi is seeking the best fit academically, athletically and socially, so it probably doesn't hurt the UA that the Wildcats strongly need a skilled big man to join Alex Jacobson in the 2007 recruiting class.
Arizona will lose standout forward Ivan Radenovic and its only experienced true post player, Kirk Walters, after this season.
The Wildcats actually have only three departing seniors this season, but they expect to gain another scholarship to offer if Marcus Williams leaves, as expected, for the NBA. They can also take back the scholarship of Bret Brielmaier, a former walk-on who received a scholarship this season on a year-to-year basis.
If Alabi or Singler commits, the UA could clear a sixth spot via another early NBA departure, transfer or other roster change.
Rim shots
● New Jersey Nets GM Ed Stefanski told the Bergen (N.J.) Record that former UA guard Hassan Adams likely will be signed by next week. Adams still is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, but the Record said the team expects him to be OK for the opening of training camp Oct. 3.
● Former UA guard Chris Rodgers is evaluating several European offers to play this season. He did not get invited to an NBA camp this fall, agent Timothy Hicks said via e-mail.
● Bayless was named one of four MVPs during the recent Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic, which showcased 24 of the nation's top high school players at New York's legendary Rucker Park.
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