Two key moves for Pac-12 teams

Oregon loses a recruit, while Arizona adds one. Plus: We explain why NBA teams should draft A.J. Griffin and some trivia time

June 10, 2022

One of my favorite shows as a kid was Disney’s “Recess,” a show that features six friends dealing with many storylines on the break from class. One of the main characters was Gus Griswald, a military kid who had attended 12 different schools before moving to the main location. That seems absolutely crazy in real life until you hear that there’s a top-50 college basketball prospect that has done almost the same thing.

And now, that player is on the move again.

Let’s hit the news.

THREE POINTS

1. Dior is out another program’s door

Few high school prospects have been as well-traveled as Dior Johnson, a one-time five-star recruit (now in the top-40 range) and top-tier point guard in the 2022 recruiting class. He’s been linked to nine different high schools and at one point was a Syracuse commit as well. Johnson has been committed to Oregon for almost a year now but it looks like he’s a free agent yet again.

Considering how his stock has dipped, Johnson’s latest move isn’t going to break the internet. In fact, we may never see him play a minute in college. The NBA G-League is an option and could be his future destination. There also are several teams that could use a guard (like Louisville and Purdue), although someone with his baggage may be a turnoff regardless of need.

As for Oregon, they’re in good shape, thanks to the return of veteran point guard Will Richardson (14.1 ppg and 3.6 apg). The additions of South Carolina transfer Jermaine Couisnard (12.0 ppg and 3.2 apg) and former Colorado guard Keeshawn Barthélémy (11.1 ppg and 2.4 ap) gives them plenty of depth and experience to make a run back to the NCAA Tournament.

2. Arizona bouncing back from NBA Draft setback

The Wildcats were viewed as one of the “losers” from last week’s deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft. After already losing stars Bennedict Mathurin and Christian Koloko, another starter went pro in guard/wing Dalen Terry. It was a tough blow to a team that was already looking in the portal to replenish its talent pool.

After missing out on several targets this offseason, the Pac-12 program was able to land Cedric Henderson, a 6-6 guard/wing from Campbell. In three years as a full-time starter, Henderson averaged 13.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg on 52% shooting from the field and 37% from three-point range. He’s an All-Big South performer and can make a rotational spot for the Wildcats next season.

And the team may not be done yet either. Arizona is reportedly in the mix for Texas transfer guard Courtney Ramey, with West Virginia the other option. If the Wildcats can land his commitment too, it would be a solid pair of June pickups that has experience and scoring talent for next season.

3. 13 days until the NBA Draft

We’re under two weeks until the first pick gets announced for the 2022 NBA Draft. The invites have officially been sent out to the top prospects, including Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga), Paolo Banchero (Duke), and Jabari Smith (Auburn). Four more invites will reportedly go out next week.

Another Duke player getting an invite is AJ Griffin, one of the most debated projected lottery picks in this year’s draft. Where will he end up? Maybe we can tell you.

The Field of 68 will be conducting a mock draft of its own next week, featuring some great experts that both follows the college game and understands what each NBA teams needs in this draft. Make sure you tune into next week (June 16 at 7:30 pm ET) to find out where Griffin and the others get selected in this exercise.

TOP 25 PLAYERS

Does Miami have the best backcourt in the country?

The Field of 68 has presented its top 25 returning players this week, going by blocks of five counting down. It was guard-heavy from 25-21, with Tyger Campbell (UCLA), Caleb (UNC), and Baylor guards, Adam Flagler and CJ Cryer making the list. Creighton rising sophomore Arthur Kaluma was listed at No. 23.

But the Bears aren’t the only team with multiple guards listed in the Top 25. The Miami Hurricanes, coming off an Elite 8 appearance, returns scoring guard Isaiah Wong and brought in Kansas State transfer Nijel Pack. After averaging 17.4 ppg and shooting 44% from three-point range this past season for the Wildcats, Pack looks to make some noise on the national scene and potentially in March.

The combination of Pack and Wong will have Miami in contention in the ACC and possibly the best backcourt as well. But there are some teams that can make a case as well heading into the 2022-23 season. In fact, there’s a pair of guards from one program that will be appearing soon on the Field of 68 top-25 countdown.

FRIDAY FUN

Time for trivia

Former Marquette star George “Brute Force” Thompson died Wednesday at the age of 74. He left as the school’s all-time leading scorer in 1969 and remained atop the list until 2009. Who topped Thompson’s scoring mark?

Hint: He played for Buzz Williams.

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

PREVIEWING THE NBA DRAFT

NBA teams should want A.J. Griffin

A.J. Griffin has everything you want in an NBA guard prospect. He can shoot, he has good size (6-6) and he’s long (7-foot wingspan) so he can switch when defending on the perimeter.

Yet he’s somehow an underrated prospect? Rob Dauster and Terrence Oglesby break down his game and how it’ll transition to the pros.

Have you subscribed to The Field of 68 on YouTube?

THE FAST BREAK

Links as you decide if you’re going to watch the LIV Golf Invitational this weekend.

Trivia answer: Jerel McNeal