Can the Arizona Wildcats finally break through and make a deep NCAA Tournament run? That's the burning question as we head into the 2025-26 season, a season already loaded with sky-high expectations and daunting challenges.
Coach Tommy Lloyd is entering his sixth year at the helm in Tucson, and the schedule starts with a bang: a clash against the defending national champion Florida Gators in Las Vegas as part of the Hall of Fame Series. Talk about a trial by fire! The pressure is definitely on.
Coming off a Sweet Sixteen appearance last March (where they fell to Duke), the Wildcats landed at No. 13 in the initial AP Poll rankings. Lloyd has consistently delivered, guiding Arizona to the Sweet Sixteen in three of the past four seasons. But here's the thing: the goal isn't just to get there, it's to advance. Will this be the year they finally make it to the Elite Eight, or even the Final Four?
Arizona faced some significant roster turnover. Forward Carter Bryant is now with the San Antonio Spurs after being selected 14th overall in the NBA Draft, and guard Caleb Love graduated. Henri Veesaar and KJ Lewis also found new homes via the transfer portal. Losing key players like that can be tough to overcome.
But here's the good news: the Wildcats didn't just sit back and accept those losses. They reloaded in a big way, securing the No. 2-ranked recruiting class, according to 247Sports. This class is headlined by 6-foot-8 forward Koa Peat and dynamic scorer Brayden Burries. Both freshmen are projected to be immediate impact players, potentially even starters. Imagine the pressure on those young guys stepping into such a high-stakes environment!
Now, let's talk about the NCAA Tournament projections. ESPN's Joe Lunardi recently released his bracketology, and Arizona finds themselves as a 4-seed in the East bracket. That means a first-round matchup against UC Irvine, with the winner potentially facing either 5-seed Arkansas or 12-seed Akron. Not an easy path by any means!
And this is the part most people miss: the overall landscape of the East bracket. Remember that season-opening opponent, Florida? They're projected as the top seed in the East. That means a potential rematch down the road, with even higher stakes. The other 4-seeds alongside Arizona are Gonzaga, Illinois, and Texas Tech, making for a very competitive group.
Here's where it gets controversial... Arizona is just one of eight Big 12 teams projected to make the tournament. Along with Arizona and Texas Tech, Houston is projected as a top seed. BYU, Kansas, Iowa State, Cincinnati, and Baylor are also in Lunardi's projections. Does this signal a new era of Big 12 dominance in college basketball? Some might argue that the conference is simply getting more respect than it deserves.
While Burries and Peat are expected to make an immediate splash, Arizona isn't relying solely on its freshmen. Guards Jaden Bradley and Anthony Dell'Orso are returning, as is center Tobe Awaka. Awaka, in particular, is a rebounding machine, averaging 7.8 boards per game. That veteran presence will be crucial in guiding the younger players.
Awaka, however, might have a battle on his hands for the starting center spot. Motiejus Krivas, the towering 7-foot-2 big man, is also back after recovering from ankle surgery. Krivas brings size and defensive prowess to the table. Who starts at center could be a game-to-game decision depending on the matchup.
The McKale Center will be rocking this season, hosting several key Big 12 games that will directly impact Arizona's seeding come March. BYU, Texas Tech, Kansas, and Iowa State will all visit Tucson, along with a highly anticipated non-conference game against Auburn. These home games will be critical for building momentum and securing those crucial wins.
Ultimately, the success of the Wildcats hinges on strong point guard play from Bradley and backup Evan Nelson, a transfer from Harvard. The experienced big men, Awaka and Krivas, also need to step up and contribute consistently. Their leadership and experience will be essential in integrating the talented freshmen and propelling Arizona to a top-four seed, or perhaps even higher.
What are your bold predictions for the Arizona Wildcats in the 2025-26 season? Do you think they can live up to the hype and make a deep tournament run? Or will they fall short of expectations? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! And don't forget to follow us on our X account by clicking on the link (https://x.com/ArizonaOnSI).
