Projected beginning lineup, impression gamers and rotation explored

Tommy Lloyd and Arizona had a Sweet 16 season in 2024-25. But with a powerful freshman class on board for subsequent season, Lloyd is trying to the long run. It’s under no circumstances implausible that the inflow of latest expertise will lead the Wildcats again to a strong NCAA Tournament run. Here’s an early rundown on subsequent season’s model of the Arizona Wildcats.

Arizona basketball season preview for 2025-26

Starting Lineup

Guard: Jaden Bradley

The 6-foot-3 guard was a key returnee. He averaged 12.1 factors and three.7 assists per recreation final yr whereas ending sixth within the Big 12 in steals (65). Bradley wants to enhance on his 32% 3-point capturing, however he is at his finest driving and creating anyway. He’s a possible all-Big 12 degree participant heading into his senior season.

Guard: Anthony Dell’Orso

A returning starter after his switch over from Campbell, Dell’Orso averaged 7.2 factors per recreation whereas capturing 41% from 3-point vary final season. The 6-foot-6 wing is a pure perimeter shooter who additionally shot 90% on the foul line. Dell’Orso will probably be a succesful veteran shooter who ought to pair properly with a few of the athletic scorers who will refill the Arizona backcourt.

Guard: Brayden Burries

A 6-foot-4 prep star, Burries was the No. 9 nationwide participant within the 2025 class per 247sports. He’s a three-level scorer who is among the strongest and most bodily guards starring in the highschool recreation. That ought to translate properly to the collegiate degree and Burries must be a right away impression participant.

Forward: Tobe Awaka

The 6-foot-8 Awaka came visiting from Tennessee and fared properly. As a junior, Awaka averaged 8.0 factors and seven.8 boards per recreation. His physicality and skill on the glass will not be one thing that almost all groups may match simply. Additionally, his time within the SEC and Big 12 will probably be helpful to a few of his extra inexperienced teammates.

Forward: Motiejus Krivas

The 7-foot-2 Lithuanian had his season ended after eight video games on account of damage final yr. But in these eight video games, Krivas averaged 7.9 factors and 4.5 rebounds per recreation. With an opportunity to take a much bigger position, Krivas is more likely to be considerably improved. His measurement will probably be a troublesome match-up for even a lot of the Big 12.

Rotation Players

It’s an amazing freshman class and whereas Burries was the decide above, among the many different standouts who may see loads of early time are five-star guard Koa Peat and excessive four-star ahead Dwayne Aristode. Harvard guard Evan Nelson figures to see some significant motion subsequent yr. International large males Sidi Gueye and Mabil Mawut are each 6-foot-11 initiatives who may play a good quantity.

Impact Players

The tandem of Bradley and Awaka are price watching. On a workforce that is going to be each younger and never very skilled at enjoying collectively. these veteran standouts will probably be key. Bradley’s regular management and Awaka’s bodily publish presence are every a giant deal.

What do you consider Arizona’s upcoming squad? Share your take beneath in our feedback part!