The Arizona men’s basketball program has never produced three first round picks in one NBA Draft before. That could change next year.
Three Wildcats are featured in early 2026 NBA Mock Drafts. McDonald’s All-Americans Brayden Burries and Koa Peat are considered first-round picks by multiple publications, while at least one draft expert believes returning big man Motiejus Krivas could be a first rounder.
Recent signee Ivan Kharchenkov is also widely considered to be an NBA prospect, though his name has yet to circulate on NBA Draft boards.
Under Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd, the program has produced five draft selections: Bennedict Mathurin, Dalen Terry, Christian Koloko, Pelle Larsson and Carter Bryant. Of those, Mathurin, Terry and Bryant were first round picks.
Bryant was Arizona’s first one-and-done since Josh Green, Zeke Nnaji and Nico Mannion were all selected in the 2020 NBA Draft. Arizona will produce at least one one-and-done next season if early mock boards are any indication.
Here are where Arizona players stand in NBA Mock Drafts. Analyses are italicized when provided.
SB Nation
Peat: No. 10
Burries: No. 19
The Athletic
Peat: No. 11
Peat was one of the best prospects in high school basketball over his first few prep years, a physically impressive wing/forward who dominated the game inside of 15 feet with his ability to get to his spots by putting his shoulder down and establishing position. But as he’s gotten older, it feels like the rest of the class has caught up with him, and he hasn’t developed the perimeter game to match it. He has clear touch, but he’s never been a particularly high-level shooter from distance, which is what he’ll need to succeed at the NBA level. He’ll need to be careful and intentional about his frame long-term, too, as he comes from a family of offensive linemen. His father, Todd, played in the NFL for nine years. His uncle, Andrus, is a former Pro Bowler at offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. Two of his older brothers, Cassius and Keona, also played as linemen in college.
ESPN
Peat: No. 18
Krivas: No. 27
Bleacher Report
Peat: No. 4
Going for his fourth gold medal this summer with the U.S., Koa Peat has been highly visible to scouts throughout his high school career.
He has a knack for creating and getting to his spot slowly but methodically. At around 235 pounds, he’s fluid when timing his pull-up or step-back, always in rhythm. Strength, balance and touch are evident and used most in his offensive attack.
Right now, he’s more efficient in the mid-range or post area, but he continues to make an effort to add the three-ball to his everyday repertoire.
Peat is 6’8” without much speed or explosion, so skeptics or questions will inevitably arise over his upside at both ends of the floor. But he still has the right body to produce or disrupt defensive inside, and his handle and shot have made encouraging strides. He’s also seemingly productive in every setting he’s played in.
Hoops HQ
Peat: No. 4
Peat is a physically imposing forward with a strong, mature frame and a high motor who impacts both ends of the floor. Aside from having a powerful presence around the basket, he’s gradually added more skill away from it as a mid-range scorer and capable shooter.
Burries: No. 18
Burries is a highly skilled, creative scorer who can get his own shot and convert in a variety of ways. He’ll be a popular riser next season if he can remain efficient and show some bonus playmaking ability.
NBA Draft Room
Peat: No. 10
Peat is a do-it-all forward with a strong frame and a complete game. He isn’t the most flashy player but does everything on the court and plays with finesse and power.
Burries: No. 20
Solid, skilled and fundamentally sound, Burries looks the part of a future NBA player. He’s not the most explosive athlete but has great body control, good strength and just knows how to play the game.