Cameron Johnson VS Brian Bowen - The breakdown

[WILD]

CAMERON JOHNSON VS BRIAN BOWEN




Both are somewhat similar players. At 6-foot-8 & 6-foot-7, they both play a hybrid role and scorch the nets from deep. If the CATS can have ONLY one, who is the better option?

PITTSBURGH TRANSFER, CAM JOHNSON

Johnson brings a lot of talent (11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game 41.5% three point shooting), he's also a rare type of grad transfer that will be eligible immediately and have two years of eligibility remaining.  Johnson is a 6-foot-8 redshirt sophomore is a shooter with a velvet touch from deep. Impressively, he finished fifth in the ACC in 3-point percentage (.415) and eighth in field goals from downtown at 2.3 per game. This is the type of player Arizona has not had in recent years.  The Pitt transfer is experienced and has played top-level competition in the ACC. He has range from everywhere on the floor. He's also an 80 percent free throw shooter, finishing whenever he gets fouled. Johnson is a great shooter and spreads the floor with his length.

Johnson was a 3/4 -star prospect coming out of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Pennsylvania. Johnson was a composite 83 recruit, but scouting ranks varied between three and four stars. His maturity and game have grown equally over his last three years in college  Johnson is a small forward, but could play at the four when needed. If he adds weight or grows during the offseason, he could be better-suited to play a hybrid between small and power forward. At 6-foot-8 he can defend multiple positions.

Johnson is being heavily recruited by Kentucky, Oregon and UCLA & now North Carolina to name a few. A player of his caliber and intellect doesn't come around very often. The best part about Johnson is his Basketball IQ.  He will add experience and leadership to the Wildcats.



McDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN BRIAN BOWEN

Bowen is one of the highest-rated high school players on the planet. He is a composite 99 ranking by 247 and a 93 by ESPN scouts. Bowen is the No. 13 overall prospect in the 2017 recruiting class. He is a 5-star recruit that is coveted by most programs. BB is the No. 2 overall prospect from the state of Indiana. Bowen is one of the best overall scorers in the 2017 class. Not only was he a participant in the 2017 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, but he secured MVP honors at the JBC. He scored a game-high 26 points on 10-for-13 shooting.

The Saginaw, Michigan product is the best available prospect from the remaining high school elite. He is a special player.  As a senior at La Lumiere in Indiana, Bowen averaged 22 points per game, alongside six boards and three dimes a night with a loaded D1 roster. BB shot a ridiculous 59 percent from inside 3-point territory. He led his team to an incredible 24-1 record and the No. 2 overall ranking by USA Today.

"Brian Bowen is a nightmare matchup who consistently completes sequences where he rebounds the ball on the defensive, leads the break and makes a play for one of his teammates," said La Lumiere head coach Shane Heirman. "His shooting ability is unmatched. He dominates the glass on both ends of the floor."

Like Johnson, Bowen is being highly recruited by Oregon, Michigan St, Creighton & Depaul.  He's also is a good student with a 3.5 GPA


THE FINAL VERDICT

With Brian Bowen it's a matter of pedigree, a 5 star product. We've seen what Johnson can do, but nobody has any idea how good Bowen can be. Bowen could be one of the best college basketball players in the country or he may not live up to the hype. While Johnson is poised for a breakout campaign & with the right pieces around him could be the most valuable asset.  In the end it comes down to the fact that Brian Bowen definitely could be a one and done. While Cam Johnson has 2 years of experience & 2 years of eligibility left.  He's likely to stay 2 years.  I'm going to have to go with Cam Johnson & I think if Miller had to choose between the 2 he'd also go with Cam.  Both players are waiting on Rawle Alkins NBA decision. May 24th is the deadline for Rawle to remove his name from the draft.  That date is fast approaching, so a decision could be made at any moment. If Alkins leaves One of them will be an Arizona Wildcat.