Roundball Direct

Credits Arizona State

By Milton Herman

-          Love for the Little Guy
Listed at generous 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, Carson is below the average size for D-1 point guards. This stature mixed with his explosive skills makes him an entertaining prospect. Quick crossovers, massive hops and breakaway speed made Carson a YouTube all-star while at Mesa High in Arizona. Although Carson has yet to record a dunk this season, he has the ability to throwdown with authority.

-          Homegrown Hops
Arizona State has missed out on nearly every big time Arizona recruit. If these players don’t leave the state, they join the Arizona Wildcats, enter Richard Jefferson, Mike Bibby and Sean Elliot. Carson first committed to Oregon State but eventually landed with the Sun Devils after coach Herb Sendek promised him a fast paced offense. A fast paced tempo help Carson drop 58 points in the High School state semifinals. 

-          Point Guard Showdown
The arrival of Carson has set up a compelling matchup between ASU and the U of A for the first time in recent memory. Especially between the floor generals, Carson and Arizona senior Mark Lyons. Lyons, who transferred from Xavier when Sean Miller left, is averaging 13.4 points this year, leading the Wildcats to a 12-0 record.

-     Jahii of all Trades
Carson’s array of skills allows him to stuff stat sheets a la Rajon Rondo. In ASU’s last game against Coppin State, Jahii racked up 15 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The freshman has even recorded a couple of blocks this year and is a better shooter than Rondo, hitting 31 percent from three and 71 percent from the line.

-          Redemption
After being the second highest rated recruit out of Arizona, Carson disappointed many when he was declared academically ineligible for the season last year. Although his absences hindered the team last year (ASU went 10-21) he appears to have tamed the academic issues. The year missed will basically be a free redshirt for Carson and this may be a future advantage in the collegiate ranks or with NBA maturity.