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Arizona adds four-star Ira Lee to No. 1 class

Ira Lee
Ira Lee

Sean Miller and Arizona's No. 1 ranked 2017 recruiting class got a little bit stronger on Thursday afternoon when they added four-star forward Ira Lee.

Ranked No. 59 overall in the class of 2017, the 6-foot-7 senior at Santa Monica (Calif.) Crossroads visited Tucson officially last weekend and saw what he needed to see.

"They offered me when I was a freshman so I've had a long time bond with them and going the Red and Blue game that was it right there," Lee told Rivals.com. "It really made it click for me that this is where I want to be. The environment really sold me."

While Lee loved the environment and campus, the relationship that he has established with Sean Miller played a big role.

"That's a huge part of it," said Lee. "Coach Miller offered me himself. It wasn't assistant coach (Joe) Pasternack, it was him. He has my trust and he's done a great job of developing that with me. Some days we don't talk about basketball, we talk about all kinds of other things. We are on that level."

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One of the most high energy players in the class of 2017, Lee developed his reputation as a rebounder and as a player willing to do the dirty work. Over the last year, though, he's really developed his skill level and expanded his game.

"I definitely see myself as an all-around versatile forward and that's what I've developed into," said Lee. "When I started out I was a rebounder and a glue guy. But I've developed my game. Especially playing with Earl Watson Elite they've let me spread my wings and let me take on that point forward type role.

"At Arizona next year they can expect me to rebound, to play defense and to show what I can do on offense. I'm ready to get there."

Lee joins a class that already includes the nation's top player DeAndre Ayton, four-star wing Brandon Randolph and four-star point guard Alex Barcello.

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