After (30) years of covering Arizona basketball, it was time for a real break for me over the last month, and I needed it badly. After mulling over options for my basketball future and entering now my 31st year of covering Arizona basketball, I will be adding a new focus for Arizona basketball today - my Recruiting Academy, which will help parents and players navigate the new recruiting process that has changed basketball recruiting across the country significantly over the past few years. Stay tuned for the announcement, as this new Academy will be vital in the development of college athletes from our state, as we look to change the narrative and also improve the level of education surrounding the new recruiting process.
Arizona high school basketball has now reached new heights, and is completely on another level now. Previously, our state took a major leap over the past (10) years, due to the emergence and dominance of prep schools in the valley. These prep schools like Hillcrest Prep, AZ Compass Prep, Dream City Christian, Bella Vista and PHH Prep, among many others now, have more than done their job of bringing major respect to the valley. Since the development and growth of each of these prep programs, Arizona basketball has attracted just about every Division-I college program to the state to recruit the players from these programs, although many of the top-rated prospects from these programs have been from abroad. Regardless of the player, Arizona basketball has blossomed as a result.
While prep programs have grown, Arizona high school programs through the leadership of the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) and the Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) have worked hard to develop their programs and to make improvements. The hard work and the laser focus to improve high school basketball in the state, combined with the NCAA's rule changes and focus on developing high school basketball around the country, has certainly paid off, and now Arizona high school basketball programs are also on the rise and helping to bring respect to the state of Arizona.
The recent Section 7 basketball event, held annually and being an NCAA certified event in the state of Arizona, has quickly become one of the most prestigious and impactful high school basketball showcases in the country. This year’s event took place from June 20–23, 2025, and once again, Arizona high school basketball took center stage.
With national attention from college coaches, media members, and scouts from every region, Arizona basketball has officially reached a new level. This year’s event featured some of the top talent from across the country, but it was the performance of Arizona teams and players that became one of the major topics of conversation.
Over the past (30) years, Arizona high school basketball has developed tremendously. What was once viewed as a lesser-known basketball state has now emerged as a powerhouse in player development and talent production. The Section 7 platform has only amplified that growth, providing an elite stage for Arizona prospects to earn national recognition and college offers.
This year, numerous Arizona players “blew up” in their college recruitment after standout performances. Programs from every level, including high-major Division-I coaches, left the event talking about Arizona's top prospects. From underclassmen who showed star potential to seniors looking to earn last-minute offers, the talent level was undeniable. Even more importantly, more college coaches than ever are now recruiting the state.
Arizona is no longer an afterthought—it’s a destination. The commitment and effort of high school coaches, club coaches, and community leaders have helped build a sustainable ecosystem for player development. Combine that with events like Section 7, and the result is clear: more kids from Arizona are getting opportunities to play at the next level.
The growth is exciting. The competition is stronger. The exposure is real. And the future of Arizona basketball? Brighter than ever.
Join me in helping take Arizona basketball to new heights, as we look to help navigate this new recruiting landscape imposed nationally by the NCAA.
