Anyone who grew up watching Arizona Basketball in the early to mid 1990’s associated the product with two attributes: on court domination and elite level point guard play.
Unlike other schools, “Point Guard U” wasn’t a moniker bestowed by Arizona itself, it was a media generated term.
And the names spoke for themselves. Kerr, Stoudamire, Bibby, Terry, Gardner.
Similar to the USC quarterback position, playing point guard under Lute Olson generally assured all-American status.
And with the fast paced style and top five national expectations that came with it, it made perfect sense as to why an elite level player would want to hold the keys to that sports car.
The Sean Miller era achieved many notable aspects but up and down offense and elite lead guard play wasn’t at the forefront.
Sure, the Tommy Lloyd era has kicked off to as close to a perfect start as could be expected but one attribute that’s even clearer: the fast paced essence of Arizona basketball is back.
And going hand in hand is the commitment of five star Phoenix Compass Prep point guard Kylan Boswell. While technically a class of 2023 prospect, there is a very realistic possibility Boswell suits up for the 2022 version of Arizona Basketball.
Besides securing a commitment from its first elite level point guard prospect in more than a decade, what is Arizona getting in Boswell?
From a comparison perspective Boswell has a lot of Mike Bibby in his game. Just not nearly as good, as Bibby is arguably the best player in school history.
But Boswell plays at his own pace and almost always makes the right decision as to how to attack a defense.
From a shooting perspective Boswell will be more than good enough and defensively, similar to Bibby, he makes up for whatever athleticism he lacks by possessing first rate instincts.
Assuming Boswell plays for the Cats next season he allows Kerr Kriisa to move off the ball and focus on scoring while also shoring up the ball handling aspect that sometimes this year’s team was missing.
This is the first big time commitment to the Tommy Lloyd version of Arizona hoops. And more figure to follow in the coming months.
