Boys’ basketball: Hill commits to USC

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Fairfax senior forward Solomon Hill, who had committed to Arizona before Coach Lute Olson retired because of health concerns, confirmed Tuesday that he has switched his commitment to USC.

The 6-foot-6 standout said there was a breakdown in communication between Arizona’s new coaching staff and recruits. Hill also said he believed Wildcats assistant Mike Dunlap should have been awarded the job that went to Russ Pennell on an interim basis.

‘There was no communication,’ said Hill, who averaged 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season. ‘We heard everything through the media. That was kind of bad on their part.’

Hill said USC was always his second choice and that he liked the idea of playing for an up-tempo team that continues to improve under Coach Tim Floyd. Hill said he feared that Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill, the Wildcats’ top two players, would depart early for the NBA, leaving Arizona to rebuild next season.

Asked about speculation that Floyd had brushed aside other recruits to make room for Hill once Olson retired, Hill said he wasn’t concerned.

‘If I think it’s the best situation for me,’ Hill said, ‘I’m going to take it regardless.’

Fairfax, one of the top teams in Southern California, opens its season tonight against L.A. Cathedral.

--Ben Bolch

Fairfax’s Solomon Hill, left, goes up for a rebound in the Lions’ Southern California regional playoff game against Pasadena on March 10, 2007. Credit: Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times