Koa Peat Stays in 2026 NBA Draft
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Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat will keep his name in the 2026 NBA draft, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-8 Chandler native had considered returning for a second season in Tucson but decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility hours before the NCAA’s withdrawal deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET. Peat is projected No. 27 in ESPN’s latest mock draft.
A former top-10 recruit, Peat arrived at Arizona after winning four high school state titles and three gold medals with USA Basketball. He opened his collegiate career with 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a November win over defending national champion Florida and finished the season averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. His play helped the Wildcats capture the Big 12 regular-season and tournament crowns, earning him a spot on the conference’s third team.
Peat raised his profile in the NCAA tournament, posting 17.2 points and 7.6 rebounds over five games. Highlights included 21 points against Arkansas in the second round, 20 points versus Purdue in the Elite Eight and a 16-point, 11-rebound effort in a Final Four loss to Michigan.
At this month’s NBA draft combine in Chicago, Peat ranked sixth among participants with a 34.5-inch standing vertical leap but struggled from long range, shooting a combined 13-for-50 in two three-point drills. His release appeared slower and lower than during the season.
“I can do a lot of other things that affect the game, but I’m trying to work on that,” Peat told ESPN at the combine, adding that he is focused on making his form more consistent.
Peat’s departure leaves head coach Tommy Lloyd with a sizable gap in next season’s frontcourt. Arizona has already lost lottery pick Brayden Burries and Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley but brought in transfers Derek Dixon (North Carolina) and JJ Mandaquit (Washington) along with top-five recruit Caleb Holt. Returning starters Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas passed on testing the draft, yet the Wildcats are still evaluating frontcourt options, including Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic, to pair with them.
Source: ESPN
