Arizona Wildcats fans holding out hope that Carter Bryant might return for a sophomore year can move on to wondering who might fill Bryant’s shoes next season.
The Arizona forward told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello that he’s “completely in” the NBA Draft, canceling out any hope he would return to college.
“I’m completely in. I’m completely in,” he told Borzello.
Arizona forward Carter Bryant, who rose to No. 14 in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, unsurprisingly closed the door on a return to college.
“I’m completely in. I’m completely in.” pic.twitter.com/Xu4v7Asjzz
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 14, 2025
Bryant is at the NBA Draft combine in Chicago this week, where he’s participated in official measurements and shooting drills.
Most NBA mock drafts have Bryant being selected in the early to mid-teens, putting him right on the bubble of being a lottery selection. Arizona’s last lottery selection was Bennedict Mathurin, who went No. 6 overall to the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 draft.
Bryant had the option to return to Arizona for another season, but he clearly feels like he’s ready for the NBA.
With Bryant gone, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd and his coaching staff will most likely to turn to the NCAA transfer portal to find a wing who can replace some of Bryant’s production.
Arizona has been publicly tied to at least one transfer, former ASU, Auburn and Texas Tech guard Devan Cambridge.
Arizona’s search for another wing will ramp up in the coming days now that Bryant has made an official decision.