The FBI's findings that resulted in the arrest of Arizona assistant coach Emanuel Richardson for his alleged involvement in a corruption and fraud scheme could cost the program its top-rated recruit in the Class of 2018.
According to ESPN's Jeff Borzello, the family of five-star point guard Jahvon Quinerly has hired a lawyer, but hasn't been contacted by federal authorities in connection with the FBI investigation. And while the top-flight recruit wasn't explicitly named in the FBI's report two weeks ago, the document's details about "Player-5" and his commitment to Arizona in early-August are consistent with Quinerly's recruitment timeline and commitment to the program he made on Aug. 9.
So what does all this mean for his Arizona commitment?
Quinerly had no comment on whether he accepted money as alleged -- the documents indicated a $15,000 bribe was arranged by Richardson to secure Quinerly's commitment. And he also had no comment about his commitment status with the Wildcats. Although right now, it remains to be seen whether he sticks with Arizona amid the FBI's digging.
"For now, I'm committed," Quinerly told ESPN, adding that he has spoken with coach Sean Miller in the aftermath of the scandal and its discovery.
"He was upset as well," Quinerly said. "We had a brief conversation, and it was about just me becoming the best player I can be for this high school season and being ready for the next level."
Quinerly is a 6-foot-1 point guard from Hudson Catholic High School in New Jersey who chose Arizona over UCLA, Kansas and a slew of other high-major programs. He's rated as the No. 19 overall recruit in the Class of 2018.
Miller currently boasts the No. 2 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite for 2018, however with Quinerly's status unclear -- both from his perspective and from an NCAA eligibility standpoint -- it's unclear whether he ever steps foot on campus in Tucson.
