With a combination of top high school talent and a key transfer addition, University of Arizona men’s basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd has put together one of the nation’s most competitive recruiting groups as the men’s basketball team prepares for the 2025–26 season.
A star-studded freshman class
Leading the charge for the Wildcats is five-star forward Koa Peat from Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. Peat, a three-time Gatorade Arizona Player of the Year, is renowned for his polished mid-post game and versatility on both ends of the court. Peat has a special blend of athleticism and raw talent that makes him an intriguing prospect.
Joining Peat is five-star combo guard Brayden Burries from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, California. Burries, who led his team to a California state championship and scored 30 points per game, is commended for both his scoring ability and playmaking. He turned down offers from the University of Southern California, University of Tennessee, University of Oregon, Southern Methodist University and University of Alabama in favor of Arizona.
Brewster Academy’s five-star wing Dwayne Aristode is another noteworthy addition. Aristode, who is from the Netherlands, is regarded as one of the best international recruits in the class because of his remarkable wingspan and defensive intangibles.
Rounding out the class is three-star shooting guard Bryce James, son of NBA player LeBron James. Bryce James, who is still growing as a player, gives the Wildcats backcourt depth with his shooting prowess and strong basketball IQ.
Transfer portal
The offseason saw several departures from the Wildcats’ roster via the transfer portal. Notably, guard KJ Lewis transferred to Georgetown University and center Henri Veesaar left for the University of North Carolina. Additionally, guard Conrad Martinez moved to High Point University and center Emmanuel Stephen joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Additionally, starters Caleb Love and Trey Townsend graduated.
The departures of Love and Martinez created the need for a lead guard, which the Wildcats secured with Harvard transfer Evan Nelson, a 6-foot-2 point guard who averaged 9.1 points and 2.9 assists per game, shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc. Nelson will split the point guard duties with guard Jaden Bradley.
The Wildcats’ roster still has a chance at improving. While Carter Bryant has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, he will still retain the possibility of returning for the Wildcats if he decides against the draft. Bryant would give Arizona arguably the most talented roster in the country.
Lloyd has had an incredible offseason so far. His ability to recruit effectively in the new era of NIL will allow Arizona to contend year in and year out.
If Bryant does not return, Lloyd will most likely start Nelson, Bradley, Buries, Peat and Tobe Awaka. This potential starting five gives Arizona a rare mix of strength, size and athleticism.
Arizona is already scheduled to face the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama, the University of California, Los Angeles in Las Vegas and Auburn University and University of Connecticut in Tucson next season.
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