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During the recruiting process, Solomon Hill told Arizona Wildcats coach Lute Olson he planned to stay on campus for a while.

Olson said the same thing.

That's why the Los Angeles Fairfax High School small forward gave a nonbinding verbal commitment to the UA on Monday to play starting with the 2009-10 season.

"That was always the thing with me," Hill said. "Before I talked to coach Olson, he knew my intent to stay as long as needed and try to get my education."

Hill had a reciprocal question for the coach.

"He told me he was going to be here longer than me," Hill said.

The 17-year-old is rated with four stars by Rivals.com. The Web site rates him as the No. 26 overall player in the class of 2009 and the No. 3 small forward.

The 6-foot-6-inch, 190-pound Hill said he likes Arizona's open offense and "being able to play multiple positions, small forward and shooting guard" in it.

He listed the UA's history of NBA-caliber small forwards — from Richard Jefferson to Andre Iguodala — as another incentive.

Jerry Meyer, a national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, called Hill "very skilled" for his size, but needs to improve his jump shot.

"He's a guy that can do a little bit of everything," Meyer said. "If he gets to where he has confidence and will go for (a jumper) on a first-look basis, he's a guy that can be an NBA-type player."

Hill joins forward Greg Smith— who will play his senior season at Bethel High School in Vallejo, Calif. — and Portland (Ore.) Grant High School small forward Mike Moser in the 2009 class.

The Wildcats are still hoping point guard Abdul Gaddy, who de-committed from Arizona but still lists the school high on his list, decides to attend. Gaddy, from Tacoma (Wash.) Bellarmine Prep, has said he hopes to make his decision within the next month.

Meyer said Arizona is "making a strong attempt to right the ship" after losing 2008-09 recruits Brandon Jennings and Emmanuel Negedu, and could have a "really good recruiting class" if Gaddy commits for 2009-10.

Hill chose Arizona over, among others, USC — which is a few blocks from his home.

New UA assistant coach Reggie Geary first noticed Hill at the Arizona Cactus Classic in May. He was "upfront and honest" during the recruiting process, said Hill's father, Solomon Crawford.

Hill tried to reach Olson on Monday but said the coach was in Greece. Olson was expected to attend the Under 18 European Championships in Greece this week.

"I knew it was going to be Arizona to the end," Hill said. "I was getting it out of the way to focus on basketball and school from now on."