Utah guard C.J. Wilcox headed to UW

The Washington Huskies' most glaring deficiencies the past few seasons have been in the backcourt. But they won't lack for options in the coming seasons after the addition of another guard.

C.J. Wilcox, a 6-foot-5, 180-pound shooting guard from Pleasant Grove, Utah, committed Monday to sign with the Huskies next fall. Wilcox will be a senior next season at Pleasant Grove High School and becomes the first commitment for UW's Class of 2009.

The Huskies will welcome three new guards this fall — Isaiah Thomas, Scott Suggs and Elston Turner Jr., as coach Lorenzo Romar envisions returning to the three-guard style of the Nate Robinson-Brandon Roy era.

Wilcox also seriously considered Utah and had offers from Miami and Florida State before deciding on UW, said his father, Craig Wilcox, a former guard at Brigham Young.

"What intrigued me the most is coach Romar and their style of play," said Craig Wilcox.

C.J. Wilcox's forte is outside shooting — he averaged 23.7 points, leading Utah's Class 5A in scoring last season.

Craig Wilcox said other schools noted that Washington has a lot of guards coming in but that his son was comfortable he will find his place. He took an unofficial visit to Washington in May, after which he narrowed his choices to Utah and UW before finally choosing the Huskies.

"When you are 6-5-½ and can shoot the three the way he can shoot it, you can play anywhere and be a fit no matter who is out on the court," said Craig Wilcox.

The Huskies could have four scholarships available for the Class of 2009, and Romar has noted he would like to sign a big player or two, as well. Indications are, however, that the Huskies are continuing to recruit the Bellarmine Prep guard duo of Abdul Gaddy and Avery Bradley — Gaddy announced last week he is no longer committed to Arizona, and the two said they would like to play together in college.

Washington coaches first saw Wilcox in a tournament in Houston a few months ago and began recruiting him heavily. It was a rare AAU tournament for Wilcox, who hasn't played in a lot of them the last few years, preferring to work on his game in private sessions, something his father encouraged. Craig Wilcox said he thinks that's why his son is not rated more highly by recruiting services. C.J. Wilcox is not mentioned among the top 100 players at his position by Scout.com.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com.