Arizona Basketball: 2024-25 season preview for the Wildcats

Key Reserves

Guard – Anthony Dell’Orso (Junior)

Originally from Australia, Dell’Orso comes to Arizona by way of Campbell. He spent his first two seasons with the Camels, blossoming into a talented backcourt presence in the Big South and CAA. Sophomore year saw him average 19.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, though obviously he won’t put up those same kind of numbers in the Big 12. Regardless, Dell’Orso should play significant minutes.

Forward – Carter Bryant (Freshman)

The top freshman addition from this past offseason, Bryant is a 6’8 forward from California who figures to find a role early with the Wildcats. This Top 30 recruit projects as someone who can impact the game in a number of ways, with his strength, shooting, rebounding, and passing ability. Bryant should produce on both ends of the ball and develop into his game as he matures at the collegiate level.

Forward – Henri Veesaar (Sophomore)

Veesaar was born in Estonia and played in Europe before finding his way to Tucson back in 2022. He was actually a national ranked prospect, and the 7-0 phenom has already been on court for the Wildcats. Veesaar appeared in nearly all of Arizona’s games as a freshman before taking a redshirt last season. We haven’t seen him in over a year, but his raw ability and size should earn him solid backup minutes at the 4 and 5.

Forward – Tobe Awaka (Junior)

An underrated offseason addition, Awaka spent his underclassman years as a reserve at Tennessee, helping the Volunteers become one of the nation’s best programs. He produced 5.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year as a sophomore and contributed to that elite defense with the Volunteers in recent years. He’s a viable option with experience off the bench and one of the team’s best rebounders.

Center – Emmanuel Stephen (Freshman)

Stephen is a 7-footer from Glendale who rated as a 4-star prospect. He’s still growing into his figure and needs to bulk up, but he’s an athletic big who can maneuver around the court and has put up sensational rebounding and shot blocking figures. He’s a great defensive weapon who’ll only grow into a major weapon in the seasons ahead.

Guard – Conrad Martinez (Sophomore)

Another solid international prospect, Martinez arrived last season from Spain and played as a reserve in his freshman season. The Wildcats appreciated his contributions, even if he put up just 0.9 points and 0.6 assists per game. There are still a few names ahead of him on the depth chart, but he has a chance for consistent minutes in the backcourt, especially if he can find his shooting stroke.