Jordan Brown mulling over Arizona, Nevada, Cal before Friday decision; Herman Harris wows Sean Miller

Decisions, decisions

Five-star Northern California forward Jordan Brown is scheduled to announce his college choice Friday, which may be bad news for the Arizona Wildcats.

Brown has not taken an official visit to Arizona even though he has one available to take, so Nevada is considered the favorite to land the McDonald’s All-American. Brown has visited Cal officially and has taken three unofficial visits to Nevada, which is 115 miles from his Roseville, California, home.

Brown’s father, Dion, confirmed via text message Thursday that his son would announce his college choice Friday. Brown’s family was scheduled to have a final discussion Thursday evening before making a public announcement, according to Philippe Doherty, co-director of the Prolific Prep program Brown plays for.

Earlier Thursday, Doherty said he thought the 6-foot-10-inch, 195-pound Brown might consider taking an official visit to Arizona before deciding.

Arizona has two scholarships remaining for the 2018-19 season, and has plenty of opportunity to offer Brown. The Wildcats have only three post players — junior Chase Jeter, sophomore Ira Lee and grad transfer Ryan Luther — as of now, although sophomore Emmanuel Akot can play both forward spots.

Harris speaks at convocation

Former Arizona standout Herman Harris (1973-77) was the keynote speaker at UA’s student-athlete convocation Thursday, impressing coach Sean Miller.

“Many people have told me how talented of a player Herman was in his day,” Miller said in a statement UA posted on Twitter. “I am sure they are correct. However, it is apparent that he is an even better person. He must have been a great teammate to have!

“His humble approach, gratefulness, dignity and courage were all present while he was on stage.”

Harris, 64, received his UA degree in December. The former Arizona star spent 14 years in the Army and worked 20 years at the Pima County Superior Courthouse before deciding to finish his degree. His granddaughter served as an inspiration.

In 2011, I decided I wanted to set a better example, so I went back to school,” Harris told the Star’s Greg Hansen in December. “Little by little, I got it done.”

Harris posed for a photo Thursday with graduating UA players Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Talbott Denny (MBA) and Tyler Trillo. Dusan Ristic and Keanu Pinder, who is scheduled to graduate in the fall, were both out of town.

Three other former UA players were also honored for receiving diplomas via the “CATS Forever” program, which provides financial assistance for players who left before finishing their degree: Larry Demic (1975-79), Bennett Davison (1996-98) and Ivan Radenovic (2004-07).

Harris averaged 12.5 points, four rebounds and 2.8 assists per game at Arizona, and the Philadelphia 76ers took him in the second round of the 1977 NBA draft. Harris entered last season ranked 10th on UA’s single-season field goals made list with 235 (1975-76), but was bumped out of the top 10 when Deandre Ayton made 276 to tie Khalid Reeves at No. 1.

Rim shots

Former UA guard Allonzo Trier joined USC’s Chimezie Metu and four other players in a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The Lakers hold the No. 25 and 47 picks in the NBA draft, and Trier has been projected to land in the 40s. Trier and former teammate Rawle Alkins are scheduled to play in the NBA combine next week.

UA’s graduate list included Jeter, a junior forward, who is scheduled to graduate in the winter. Jeter spent two seasons at Duke and sat out last season at Arizona, meaning he will graduate in just three and a half years.

UCLA picked up a commitment from 2019 four-star wing Jaime Jaquez.

Oregon State added three-star guard Jordan Campbell for next season.