RECRUITING: Centennial’s Workman looks to future, commits to Arizona

Centennial girls basketball player Breanna Workman could have a lot to think about before suiting up for her first game as a senior.

The junior forward doesn’t expect to return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament until October. When Workman finally takes to the court, she’ll be driven to help the Bulldogs get back to a Class 4A state title.

However, one extra thought won’t consume her: recruiting.

Arizona offered Workman a scholarship on Friday, and the 6-foot-1-inch forward accepted in short order.

“What really sold me was their coach. I really like her coaching style and the way she interacts with players,” Workman said of Wildcats head coach Niya Butts.

Centennial coach Karen Weitz is known for her attention to detail and intensity, two qualities for which Butts also is praised. Butts was a four-year letter winner at Tennessee during her playing days, helping the Lady Vols to NCAA titles in 1997 and 1998 under legendary head coach Pat Summitt.

UNLV and New Mexico also offered scholarships to Workman, but she didn’t want to prolong the recruiting process.

“Arizona’s kind of where my heart was,” said Workman, who can sign with the Wildcats beginning Nov. 14.

Arizona recruited Workman as a small forward.

Weitz praised Workman for improving her ball handling as a junior and becoming a more versatile player.

“She can play the post, her ball handling is improved,” Weitz said. “She’s gotten tougher mentally and has improved her outside game.”

Workman was a second-team all-state and first-team All-Northwest League selection as a junior after averaging 9.3 points and 6.6 rebounds to help Centennial (29-3) win the Sunset Region title.

Basketball branches deep through Workman’s family tree.

Her father, Haywoode Workman, played point guard for five NBA teams over eight seasons and now works as an NBA referee.

Her half-sister, Chasity Workman, was a standout forward at NAIA Oklahoma City University.

Breanna Workman, who also suffered an ACL injury her freshman year, noted Arizona didn’t back down in recruiting her following the latest injury.

“I’m pretty excited because you have a coach that’s there for you,” Workman said of Butts. “Now I’m just focused on next year and getting back to where we used to be and winning a state championship.”

Workman is the second Centennial standout in the class of 2013 to commit to a Division I program. Teammate Jada Brown selected Kansas in March.