Top talent headed to Tucson

Though no games were played, the Arizona men's basketball team had a pretty productive week.

Days removed from winning the Coaches vs. Cancer IKON Classic in New York, head coach Lute Olson got some more good news - Hassan Adams from Los Angeles and Chris Rodgers of Portland, Ore., signed letters of intent to play for the UA.

"Both of these guys will fit in beautifully here at Arizona," Olson said. "They are great kids; they work hard and are very solid students."

Rodgers and Adams, both 6-foot-4 guards, have been highly touted by national publications.

Adams played in the NBA Developmental Camp in New Jersey and the USA Basketball Development Camp in Colorado.

The Sporting News ranked Adams as the sixth-best high school shooting guard in the country.

Olson compared Adams to a former UA defensive standout.

"He can play," Olson said. "He can guard anybody. He will be one of the best defensive players to come in here since Reggie Geary."

The versatile Rodgers will bring height and size to the point guard position next season, but can play either guard spot in the Arizona program, Olson said.

The Sporting News rated Rodgers the No. 4 point guard in high school. He battled top-flight competition at the Nike Camp in the summer and will compliment Adams in the backcourt.

"It was great for (Rodgers) to play at the Nike Camp," Olson said. "Both of them have great attitudes. Both of them are winners."

With the careers of collegiate players uncertain, Olson said the signings will keep the program stable.

"We have no way of knowing (how long a player will stay)," Olson said. "We just recruit, particularly if they are multi-dimensional."

Olson said the addition of Rodgers and Adams next season will add much-needed depth at the guard positions.

"We are hurting right now with numbers," Olson said. "We have three guys (at the guard spot). That doesn't make for a good situation."