Five-star guard Jahvon Quinerly verbally commits to Arizona Wildcats, who he calls 'big time'

Because they lose just about half their roster annually, the Arizona Wildcats aim to sign guys at every position, every year.

Sometimes, even two guys at one position, which is OK with Jahvon Quinerly.

The five-star point guard from New Jersey announced Tuesday on ESPNU that he will play for the Wildcats starting in 2018-19, even though Arizona already holds a commitment from four-star Los Angeles point guard Brandon Williams.

Quinerly told the Star last month in Las Vegas that he and Williams both like to play on and off the ball and can play together, as he said UA coaches suggested.

When asked Tuesday about Williams on ESPNU, Quinerly said: “I know he’s a great scorer. He’s a combo guard, and he’s great shooter. Me and him can co-exist in the backcourt together.”

Williams expressed excitement about the possibility, too. He retweeted news of Quinerly’s commitment while saying “Yessirrr. BearDown Brodie,” then also later tweeted “BackCourt about to be CRAZY.”

As it turns out, Quinerly’s decision may not have been about Williams as much as Devon Dotson and some of the other guards UA was still pursuing. Dotson took an official visit to Arizona last week, and it appeared unlikely both would fit onto UA’s roster — so Quinerly jumped on.

Quinerly, who visited campus in June, appeared ready to do so. He told the Star during a recruiting showcase last month in Las Vegas that touring McKale Center was his favorite part of the visit and that he also enjoyed getting to know the current team.

“It was great being able to experience the whole atmosphere in Tucson, to connect with Sean Miller and the whole coaching staff,” Quinerly said. “It was great being able to hang out with DeAndre Ayton and the guys, and they’re just telling me about Arizona’s style.”

On ESPNU, Quinerly said Miller’s ability to develop him was also a selling point.

“I feel he has all the tools to each teach me to make it to the highest level,” Quinerly said. “The university itself, Arizona, is big time.”

Quinerly is known for a smooth and smart playing style, with strong ballhandling, passing and driving ability. Quinerly is ranked No. 16 in the class of 2018 by ESPN and Rivals and No. 20 by Scout. He told ESPNU he wanted to work on his defense and frame in the offseason before his final season of high school ball.

Getting a pair of top point guards in the class of 2018 was a key move for Arizona because the Wildcats will lose Parker Jackson-Cartwright to graduation next spring. Freshmen Alex Barcello and Emmanuel Akot are also currently playing point guard.

Overall for its recruiting class of 2018, Arizona now has Quinerly, Williams and forward Shareef O’Neal committed, about half of what it could wind up with. Among its top remaining targets are center Bol Bol of California, forward Nassir Little of Florida and forward Marvin Bagley of Tempe, if he does not reclassify to 2017.

Miller said Tuesday that he hoped to sign five players during the November signing period. That total could reach six or seven by next spring.

Another big class would help the Wildcats offset what could be the departures of at least six players next spring. Arizona will lose four seniors, and junior Allonzo Trier and sophomore Rawle Alkins could turn pro after considering doing so last spring.

Miller said he has signed 46 players over nine recruiting classes, an average of 5.1, and “that’s trending upward.”

“That’s just the way it is,” Miller said. “I wish it wasn’t. There’s a lot of coaches and fans, everybody associated with college basketball, that wishes maybe the turnover wouldn’t be like that, but that’s the way it is.”