Happy camper: Cibola grad Downing goes full circle with AWC hoops programs

Eight-year old Zac Downing sat at Arizona Western's basketball camp, listening attentively to coach Kelly Green and the other instructors.

Ten years later, Downing was speaking to a group of campers about their dreams coming true after he signed a letter or intent Tuesday to play with the Matadors after a successful prep career a Cibola.

"When I was little, I would look at the players, like (now) me and the the other coaches that are coaching these kids, and think 'I want to be with those guys playing college ball,'" said Downing, the first camp attendee to play for AWC. "I would imagine playing for AWC."

Green said he remembers Downing from that camp.

"I don't know if you can actually tell where they're going to be in college," Green said. "I can tell you he was always one of the top kids in his age group. I think he won the camp ball-handling drill every year. ... In games he'd be one of the better kids in his age group."

Downing averaged 20.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game as Cibola made the playoffs this year. He made The Sun/Yuma Rotary 2007-08 All-Region Basketball Team after being named its player of the year his junior season.

Green said he expects Downing to make a smooth transition to being a full-time perimeter player.

"Zac is an excellent shooter, he has good size, excellent athletic ability," Green said. "The 3-point line is being moved out another foot (in college basketball)... and I think he gives us another versatile shooter."

Green said there are some areas Downing still needs to improve - namely ball handling and lateral foot speed - but said those are not only minor things, but already improving.

Green said that's because Downing has been working out with the team for a few months.

"He came out in the spring, working out with us for two or three weeks, then he goes and plays in that all-star game at (Imperial Valley College),"Green said. "The team scores 85, Zac scores 38. He stepped up right there because he was playing with our guys every day at a higher level of play. I know after I talked to him he said the game was a little easier over there.

"All the fundamental skills are there," he said. "It's going to be fun to watch him blossom."
Green said Downing should be able to make an immediate impact on the team, and Downing said he feels the same way.

"I'm excited, it will be good," Downing said. "Just being around here, watching them play all the time makes me familiar with their system and their coaches. It makes it easier."
"Hopefully I'll bring some hard work and teamwork," Downing said, "and maybe some 3-pointers."