With the 2025-2026 season coming to a close, a new beginning for most of University of Arizona’s rotation awaits. For several Wildcats, they entered the season as highly touted prospects, while others emerged to become legitimate draft candidates for this year’s NBA Draft.
Following the season-ending 91-73 Final Four loss to the University of Michigan, Arizona could see its entire starting lineup selected in this year, or future NBA Draft. While some players were lottery bound, others played their way into draft boards just 2 months away from draft night.
Brayden Burries: Rapid riser, entering lottery conversation
Arizona freshman guard Brayden Burries emerged as one of the biggest risers in this year’s draft class. Turning his first round expectations into lottery expectations, the First Team All-Big 12 guard has skyrocketed through mock drafts.
Entering the 2025-2026 season, Burries was widely viewed as a late first-round prospect. Early projections placed him around No. 24 overall, with teams intrigued by his scoring potential at the two-guard, but uncertain about how to quickly adjust to the college game. That uncertainty showed early, as Burries got off to a relatively slow start back in early November 2025.
That uncertainty faded when Burries recorded his career high against No. 12 University of Alabama, leading the Wildcats to a 96-75 win in Birmingham, Alabama. Buries scored 28 points on 11-of-19 from the field, hitting five 3-pointers and recording seven rebounds. In Big 12 play, Burries averaged 16.1 points per game, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 29.1% from 3-point range. A standout performance in Big 12 play helped Burries become one of five finalists for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award.
Finding rhythm quickly, Burries became one of Arizona’s most efficient offensive weapons. The 6-foot-4 guard became Arizona’s primary scoring option down the stretch, showcasing his ability to create his own shot and scoring at all three levels. His emergence as a primary scorer played a major role in Arizona’s success all season, significantly boosting his draft profile.
Originally one of the top prospects in Arizona’s 2025 recruiting class, Burries entered college with high expectations. From late first round, to potentially top 10, Burries can become the Wildcats’ 14th all-time top 10 pick if he decides to enter this year’s NBA Draft.
Koa Peat: Solidifies lottery status
Arizona forward Koa Peat entered the 2025-2026 season with significant expectations. By the end of the year, he cemented his preseason draft status of a likely lottery pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
Peat’s rise was apparent early, when he helped the Wildcats defeat the defending National Champions in his collegiate debut, recording 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists in route to a 93-87 win over No. 3 University of Florida.
A consensus five-star recruit and top 10 national prospect, Peat brought a strong physical presence and versatility to the college game. By conference play, he had already reinforced his standing in the lottery conversation, using his 6-foot-8 frame and physical play to consistently impact games on both ends of the floor.
Suffering a lower leg strain during a loss to Texas Tech University in February which kept him sidelined for three games, Peat would go on to have a fantastic NCAA Tournament. The freshman finished the tournament averaging 17.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.6 blocks over five appearances. Despite struggling during the games leading up to his injury, Peat’s significant impact when healthy raised the team’s ceiling for the postseason.
By early April, Peat is projected as the No. 12 overall pick. While other Wildcats significantly improved their stock throughout the year, Peat remained a lottery pick throughout the duration of the season.
Motiejus Krivas: Sleeper to first round rise
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas took an unconventional route to NBA Draft relevance. Suffering a foot injury during his sophomore season, the big man returned with a strong junior year to solidify his stock as a potential first round pick after serving as the defensive anchor for an elite Wildcats’ defense.
Not widely viewed as an NBA selection, the 7-foot-2 center was labeled a sleeper. Early projections as early as last season typically placed him in the second round, with scouts citing his size and defensive presence with room to grow offensively.
Eyeing his largest role yet, Krivas entered his junior campaign as the solidified starting center. The center averaged 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 56.9% from the field, while excelling at the free throw line shooting nearly 80% on the season. Recording a handful of double-doubles, his breakout game came in January against Kansas State University, where he recorded his career high 25 points and 12 rebounds.
With a developing offensive skillset, his effective presence as a screener and rim runner added to his appeal. Questions about his athleticism remained, but his overall growth and productivity over the course of the season helped shift the narrative around his draft outlook.
By the middle of the season, Krivas firmly moved out of second-round consideration and into the first-round discussion. As of early April, he is projected around the No. 25 overall pick.
Krivas adds to head coach Tommy Lloyd an impressive track record of developing his big man throughout their time at Arizona. Most notable centers include Christian Koloko and Oumar Ballo and forward Ąžuolas Tubelis, who all thrived under Lloyd.
If Krivas decides to return for his senior season, he could boost his stock to a potential lottery selection in next year’s draft.
Ivan Kharchenkov: Emerging as long-term NBA prospect
Arizona wing Ivan Kharchenkov entered the scene with different draft certainty in comparison to his teammates. However, his experience playing professionally in Euroleague translated to the college game, possibly playing himself into draft boards.
The 6-foot-7 wing gained valuable experience against high-level international competition before arriving at Arizona. His combination of size, defensive intensity and motor traits project well to the modern NBA game. His ability to guard multiple positions and play with consistent energy has made him especially appealing as a potential 3-and-D wing.
Offensively, Kharchenkov showed flashes of shot creation and distributing along with his high basketball IQ. In his collegiate debut, Kharchenkov recorded a double-double, 12 points and 10 rebounds against No. 3 Florida and a 16-point, nine-rebound performance against No. 2 University of Houston in mid-February. Showing flashes against top teams in the country and improving as the season progressed, Kharchenkov played a pivotal role for a team with Final Four aspirations.
As a result, Kharchenkov is viewed as a potential draft candidate in this year or future NBA Drafts. A decision to come back for his sophomore season, whether at Arizona or not, can help solidify his draft stock from potential second-round pick into the top half of next year’s draft.
Jaden Bradley: Breakout senior season
Senior leader and Big 12 Player of the Year point guard Jaden Bradley entered the 2025-2026 season as the catalyst for a talented Arizona team. While not necessarily a lock as a clear NBA Draft prospect in the beginning, by the end of the year, Bradley’s production and accolades made him impossible to ignore.
Seeing his name on a couple of NBA Draft lists after his junior season, Bradley returned for his senior campaign where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game while leading Arizona to a school-record 36 wins. His impact extended beyond the stat sheet, consistently controlling the pace of games and taking over in the second half of games, delivering in key moments throughout the season.
His performance earned him Big 12 Player of the Year honors, along with Third Team All-American recognition and finalist status for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award. Those accolades, combined with team success, significantly elevated his profile among NBA scouts.
Unlike some prospects whose draft stock is built primarily on upside, Bradley’s case is rooted in production, leadership and experience. As a result, he is now projected as a potential second-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
Built on consistency, development and winning at a high level, Bradley has played himself onto many draft boards after 3 years at Arizona.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
