Incoming UA guards convince Wilson he's out of the picture

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Freshman guard Travis Wilson (11) looks for an open player during a game last season at McKale Center. Wilson will not be returning to the UA men's basketball team because he feels he is not getting enough playing time.

So the Wildcats picked up two high school prospects and a top junior college transfer, moves that sent a clear message to UA freshman Traves Wilson.After averaging only 15.2 minutes and 3.1 points per game this season in only six starts, Wilson knew his playing time would not go up with the three newcomers' impending arrival.

So the 6-foot-2 guard from Moline, Ill., has decided to transfer to a school closer to home.

"I can't develop playing in spurts," Wilson said. "I averaged 15 minutes, but I had to play five minutes here, two minutes there and it was hard to get into the rhythm of play."

Head coach Lute Olson said it is always disappointing when a player leaves the program.

"We found out about it after the guys came back from spring break," he said. "His main concern is getting more playing time, so that's his motivation behind it and I can understand that. I think he has the ability to play in this program.

"Anytime someone leaves the program, you don't feel good about it. On the other hand, people have the freedom to do what they want to do."

One of the three new UA recruits, JC transfer Lamont Frazier, made it official yesterday when he signed a letter of intent with Arizona.

Olson commented on Frazier's signing in a prepared release.

"After playing two seasons of junior college basketball, Lamont will provide us with some added maturity with the squad we have coming back next season," Olson said. "He's an outstanding passer and good athlete who is a team-type player. When you look at the fact that he shot 51 percent from the three-point line in his first season at Lon Morris, you know the type of shooter we are getting. His shooting percentage was down last season, but that was due in part to the fact that he saw a lot of box-and-one defenses throughout the year and the team lost two of its better players from the previous season.

"We feel as though he can play any one of the perimeter positions and are we are thrilled to have him become a part of this basketball program."

Wilson, though, did not wait for yesterday's announcement of Frazier's intent, announcing he would leave UA after spring break.

Associate head coach Jim Rosborough, also from Moline, recruited Wilson heavily and thought he did a good job in his first year.

"I think he did make it here," Rosborough said. "He averaged 15 minutes a game as a freshman. My view still is that he can be a contributor here, but maybe being a contributor is not what Traves wants.

"I started to hear some things towards the end of the season. He's very concerned about the number of people at the guard spots and the playing time he'll get."

McDonald's All-American guard Jason Gardner, who won the Indiana state championship at Indianapolis North Central High School, should be ready to fit in right away at the point, taking over for Terry. Shooting guard Gilbert Arenas also joins the program from Van Nuys, Calif.

The 6-3 Frazier will transfer from Lon Morris Junior College in Jacksonville, Texas. Originally from Los Angeles, Frazier was an all-conference and All-Region 14 selection at Lon Morris, averaging 23 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. He shot 41 percent from the three-point line. Though he is known as a scorer, he is highly regarded as a defender.

Another high school senior could join Arizona's recruiting class. Jason Kapono, a 6-7 wing guard from Lakewood, Calif., is still undecided and considering Arizona. Kapono has until May 15 to make his decision.

As for Wilson, he is undecided about his future. He said he will miss Arizona and his teammates, and is continuing his classes for the remainder of the semester.

"I love this place," he said. "Where else would you want to play? The fans are great, you got the greatest coach in the world and the weather here is great. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get consistent minutes here."

Wilson will look at a number of programs to see where he would be able to get the most playing time. Schools he is rumored to be considering include Iowa and Illinois-Chicago.

"He's got to be sure he's at a decent, competitive level," Rosborough said. "If he wants to move to the next level, he's got to play someplace where there's a little visibility."

Bryan Rosenbaum can be reached at Bryan.Rosenbaum@wildcat.arizona.edu.