Arizona Best Available: Low Major Fits

<p>Here is a group of players who looked to be best fits for the low major level. While some of these players may have the potential to play at a higher level and may even have scholarship offers from bigger programs, they are players that we feel would be most productive throughout a 4-year career at the low major level.</p><h2>Amiri Chukwuemeka 5'10 PG McClintock</h2><p>Amiri is one of the more forgotten players in the 2016 class, mainly due to the fact that he missed the entire summer with an injury. While there is a ton to be seen by the eye test Chukwuemeka is a strong guard with good quickness and the ability to defend the perimeter. While he is a high level scorer from all levels at the lead guard position what sets Amiri apart from others in this class is his killer mentality. He plays the game with a chip on his shoulder and truly believes he is the best guard in the building every time he steps on the floor. This has allowed him to put up some big numbers and basically will his team to victories even when under matched (yes, he’s a winner). Going into last spring Chukwuemeka’s ability to run a team and get others involved was a question mark in his game. He quickly answered those questions while playing during the month of April with Arizona Power Black, consistently running the team, controlling pace, and getting his teammates where they needed to be. A strong return from his injury, continued improvement on balancing his ability to run a team and score the ball, and a strong year in the classroom will give him a chance to earn multiple scholarship offers as a late get in the spring. </p> <h2>Devin Kirby 6'10 C Basha</h2><p>There is no question that Kirby&#39;s ceiling is higher than the low Division I level. At 6&#39;10" he is a lengthy, mobile, and athletic forward with good agility. However, there are question marks. Just as Devin began to come into his own he went out with a season (and summer) ending injury. He took a lot of time off which, while better than coming back early with a chance to re-injure it, is still something that raises question marks. At the low Division-I level DK will have more time to develop and have a staff that is patient with his growth. He will be allowed to play through mistakes and could truly blossom into one of the elite bigs at that level by his junior or senior year. While he has high major potential, for someone like Kirby bigger isn&#39;t always better.</p> <h2>Brandon Whittaker 6'7 F Campo Verde</h2><p>Whittaker is an impressive prospect with a lot of tools. At 6’7” he possesses a versatile skillset including the ability to put the ball on the floor, make perimeter shots off the catch, shoot it from the midrange area off the bounce, and—likely his most impressive quality—find teammates off the bounce. While Brandon has great length he’s not overly athletic which limits his ability to defend smaller perimeter players. He also has a thin frame which limits his ability to defend the post and an inconsistent motor which is one major reason Division-I coaches haven’t pulled the trigger. Towards the end of the spring Whittaker showed an improved motor which increased his productivity ten fold. He may never be a star but has a chance to be a key part of a successful low major program if he plays hard at a consistent rate.</p>