Carson commits to Sun Devils

The in-state rivalry between Arizona and Arizona State picked up a little steam this week.

Arizona struck first on Wednesday, picking up a commitment from Nick Johnson.

Arizona State came back on Saturday, though, when Jahii Carson pledged to the Sun Devils.

"Hometown school," Carson said in a text message. "A great opportunity to come in right away and get great minutes as a freshman."

The commitment could mean more than just the usual recruiting coup, as Carson resides only a few miles from Arizona State’s Tempe campus.

Not surprisingly, head coach Herb Sendek was ecstatic about the news.

“He was happy,” Carson said. “Him and all the coaches were all hugging each other.”

Carson, a 5-foot-11 point guard from Mesa (Ariz.), is a quick and confident player who can get by his defender and finish at the rim. He can also knock down shots and find teammates.

“I think I can make a huge impact,” Carson said. “I think I’ll bring a nice type of energy to ASU.”

He picked Arizona State over Arizona, Washington, St. John's, Oregon State and UNLV.

“I trust Coach Sendek and I think I can have a great career at ASU,” Carson said.