Arizona lands commitments from top Lithuanian prospect, twin brother
Arizona secured commitments from top international prospect Azuolas Tubelis and his twin brother, Tautvilas, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
"Their campus is amazing, they have great fans, and they are among best universities in college basketball," Azuolas Tubelis said. "Arizona has had similar players, like Derrick Williams for example, who coach Sean Miller developed, and I believe that will help me.
"Their assistant coach, Jack Murphy, has followed me since the Basketball Without Borders camp in Chicago and built a strong relationship with us."
Both Tubelis brothers have represented Lithuania internationally. Azuolas, a 6-foot-9 power forward, played for the national team at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship in Volos, Greece. He led Lithuania with 14.9 points and 12.6 rebounds per game as the team finished seventh.
In February, he helped Rytas Vilnius' U18 side win the Adidas Next Generation Tournament qualifier in Kaunas. He averaged 20.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and two steals in four games and was named MVP of the competition.
Huge news for Arizona in adding 6-9 Lithuanian big man Azuolas Tubelis. Stud talent who should contribute at a high level from day 1. Absolutely dominated the ANGT Kaunas I was at earlier in the year. Explosive, powerful and skilled lefty with a lot of experience for his age. pic.twitter.com/mBjX4D2NjX
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 27, 2020
Azuolas and Tautvilas are now the fifth and sixth international prospects to commit to Arizona's 2020 recruitment class.
"I believe that league fits me well and I also get a chance to play together with my brother," Azuolas told Givony about heading to the NCAA. "This is a great opportunity for him, which I think he deserves.
"The transition to (the) U.S. will be easier for me with my brother, so I am very excited to be able to play together with him once again."