3. Arizona (1-seed)
Jaden Bradley (Senior – Guard)
It’s very evident that Bradley has found his footing in his time in Arizona, transferring to the Wildcats three seasons ago and blossoming into a star. Named Big 12 Player of the Year, the former Top 25 recruit has produced at 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Not only has Bradley been an efficient scorer and leader for the Wildcats, he was among the Big 12’s leaders in steals and finds a way to cause havoc every minute he’s on the court, including his 18-point effort against Utah State in the second round of this Tournament.
Brayden Burries (Freshman – Guard)
A Top 10 freshman recruit, Burries has more than lived up to those expectations and at times has shouldered the load on a very talented Arizona roster. Burries averages 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists as the Wildcats’ leading scorer while making 39% of his 3-pointers and looking more like a veteran presence on the court. He met or exceeded that scoring average in the Wildcats’ first two Tournament games and remains an efficient scorer, playmaker, and game manager for this team even as a freshman.
Ivan Kharchenkov (Freshman – Forward)
A 6-7 forward from Germany, Kharchenkov has found his footing in this Arizona frontcourt as the season has progressed and has become one of the latest international finds for Tommy Lloyd. Kharchenkov is putting up 10.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, bringing both defensive intensity and shot-making ability into this frontcourt. He’s got plenty of future potential and just had his latest double-double against Long Island to start off the Big Dance.
Motiejus Krivas (Junior – Center)
This 7-2 center out of Lithuania has really taken a massive step forward in three year in this Arizona system. Krivas was a solid weapon earlier in his career before a foot injury, but now averages 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game as a junior. He’s become a more effective scorer, making 59% of his shots inside the arc, and is fresh off an 11-point, 14-rebound performance against Utah State, showing his ability to affect the game in the paint on both ends.
Koa Peat (Freshman – Forward)
The other impressive Top 10 recruit on an Arizona roster packed with talent, Peat has been the real deal this season and an important piece for a team that many think can cut down the nets in a few weeks. Peat’s putting up 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a freshman thanks to effective productive largely in the paint. He was named Third Team All-Big 12 and has looked great since returning from injury, scoring at least 14 points in each of their two Tournament wins to date.