Dusan Ristic signs with Arizona Wildcats, completes highly-rated Class of 2014

HOW EACH RECRUITING PUBLICATION RANKS ARIZONA’S CLASS OF 2014
Note: These rankings established before Dusan Ristic’s signing with the Wildcats on Wednesday
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Arizona’s last piece to its Class of 2014 puzzle fits quite nicely because Serbian center Dusan Ristic, who signed his national letter of intent today, provides a player at practically every position for Sean Miller.

Dusan Ristic excites Sean Miller because he will add depth and versatility to Arizona’s frontcourt

Ristic joins combo guard Kadeem Allen from Hutchinson (Kan.) Junior College, point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (Los Angeles Loyola High School), guard-wing Stanley Johnson (Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei High School) and power forward Craig Victor (Henderson, Nev., Findlay Prep).

“In today’s world, balance in classes is so important, and I think (incoming players at different positions) not only serves our purpose to give next year’s team added depth, but it also provides a lot of optimism beyond next season,” Miller said in a press release issued by Arizona.

A native of Novi Sad, Serbia, Ristic posted a double-double at the 2011 Jordan Brand Classic International Game, scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. He also averaged 14.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for Serbia at the 2011 FIBA U16 Championship.

Ristic started all eight games for Red Star U18 at the 2013 Nike International Junior Tournament, averaging 17.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 27.0 minutes per contest. He moved to the U.S. in January at the behest of Arizona’s coaching staff and played for Wichita (Kan.) Sunrise Academy.

“One of the things that’s so exciting about Dusan coming to Arizona is that his skill level starts in the low post, which is unique in today’s game,” Miller said. “He has fantastic hands, a high basketball I.Q. and great size, but he also comes to us very well-versed on how to play in the post.

“It’s exciting to add someone of his size and talent level to our program. He’s going to add depth and versatility to our front line and I believe that his future is extremely bright.”

Here is a YouTube video of each Class of 2014 signee for Miller:

ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report and Lindy’s College Sports.

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