After an historic season for Pima College this season, as the program finished with as the #3 overall Division-II junior college in the country this season, and winning the program's second consecutive Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) title, Pima's stellar 5-foot-9 sophomore guard Cohenj Gonzales has now made his college decision - giving a verbal commitment to Colorado-Mesa University and terrific Head Coach Mike Dunlap and his coaching staff. Gonzales had an amazing career for Pima, which resulted in this year's ACCAC D-II Player of the Year honor, after leading his Pima program to an undefeated 18-0 record in the ACCAC and an amazing 35-1 overall record on the season.
Stud sophomore guard Cohenj Gonzales was the heartbeat of the team. A steady floor leader and lethal scorer, Gonzales became the newest member of the 1,000-point club this season, and was selected as the ACCAC D-II Player of the Year. His ability to control tempo, get teammates involved, and make big shots in key moments made him one of the most impactful players in all of junior college basketball. In the process, Gonzales was terrific - averaging 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per/game, while shooting 46.4% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point distance.
Gonzales chose to sign with Colorado Mesa University and legendary Head Coach Mike Dunlap and his staff, after many other Division-II offers, and a previous offer from Iona University.
Gonzales transitioned right to the ACCAC last season, after a strong high school career, and made an immediate impact in the ACCAC, as he helped lead his Pima program to an ACCAC D-II Conference title last season. He was also selected as the ACCAC D-II Freshman of the Year, and an All-ACCAC D-II First Team selection. Gonzales averaged 15.9 points and 3.7 assists per/game, while shooting 49.4% from the field and 45.1% from three-point distance. Gonzales was a major contributor last season for Head Coach Brian Peabody and his coaching staff - helping lead the Aztecs to a 29-6 overall record on the season, and an 18-4 record in conference play. Pima would win the ACCAC D-II Championship and also advance to the D-II National Tournament.
Gonzales was an absolute handful for opposing guards to defend, as he became one of the most difficult match-ups for opposing guards in junior college basketball. Gonzales played with a high level of confidence throughout his Pima career, imposing his will on opposing guards and scoring and distributing the basketball at a high level. Gonzales was the catalyst for Head Coach Brian Peabody and his staff the past two seasons, and a major reason for the Aztecs' amazing national success the past two seasons.
When you watch Gonzales play, it is exciting, as this young man plays with inspired effort throughout every game I have watched him compete in, and never stops running. He competes at a very high level all game, and plays much bigger than his smaller size suggests. His smaller frame does not matter, as he is always aggressive in his playing style and looks to get to the rim or make shots - always applying pressure on opposing defenses. Gonzales is an absolute role model for future Arizona high school prospects on what to do and how to navigate the new recruiting landscape instituted by the NCAA and the tremendous impact of the NCAA Transfer Portal, which has made it difficult today for high school prospects to reach their goals. Gonzales has worked extremely hard to get to where he is today, and he will look to continue his terrific career for one of the top head coaches in all of college basketball, Mike Dunlap.
Congratulations to Gonzales on an amazing high school and junior college career, and great luck to him in all of his future endeavors in college basketball. Congratulations to the Pima College basketball program also on another impressive signing from their college program for our staff here at Arizona Preps.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Gonzales is coming off an excellent freshman season, where he led Pima to the conference D-II Title, and also was selected as the Freshman of the Year in the ACCAC. When you watch Gonzales play, it is exciting, as this young man plays with inspired effort throughout every game I have watched him compete in, and never stops running. He competes at a very high level all game, and plays much bigger than his smaller size suggests. His smaller frame does not matter, as he is one of the very best shooters and scorers of the basketball in the ACCAC conference. He is also able to break down defenders and score off the dribble, although he can get too deep at times inside the paint. Very good defensively. While he is only 5-10 in height, he is able to play both guard positions on the floor, as needed. He is a floor general with the basketball in his hands and makes plays for himself and others, almost at will. His quickness is very difficult to match, but his intensity on the floor is what makes him so unique. He competes very hard on both ends of the floor. Has a bright future. A high academic student-athlete.
