Arizona Marvelous Ideas: Arizona prioritizing 5-star center Nathan Bittle

USA Basketball

The Arizona Wildcats are one of five programs prioritizing five-star center Nathan Bittle, the 2021 prospect recently told StockRisers.com.

The others heavily involved include some of Arizona’s top West Coast rivals like Oregon, Gonzaga, and UCLA (plus Michigan).

Listed at 6-foot-10, 184 pounds by USA Basketball, Bittle is the No. 9 player and No. 2 center in the 2021 class, according to 247Sports composite rankings.

The Central Point, Oregon native was named the state’s Prep Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2019-20 after averaging 25 points, 11 rebounds, 4.5 blocks and 2.5 assists per game.

Bittle attends Crater High School and has participated in USA Basketball mini camp several times.

Bittle has taken three officials visits so far, to Gonzaga, UCLA and Arizona. He visited the UA for the Red-Blue Game in late September. All three Crystal Ball predictions peg him as a future Oregon Duck.

247Sports compares Bittle to former UA big man Channing Frye because of his ability to block shots and shoot the 3:

Talented center with good size and long arms. Decent athlete, which could improve with strength. Still physically immature but has the shoulders and base to put on weight in time. Has big time weapon in 3-point shooting ability given his size and length. Gets pushed off the block at times due to lack of strength but has go-to move in right hook. Rebounds area and passes well for position. Respectable rim protector for age and physical immaturity. Improving his footwork and confidence inside will be big but strength should go a long way there. Projects as successful high major center. Any reasonable jump athletically and/or as interior scorer should put him on the first round path.