Arizona Wildcats Face High Stakes
Ranked No. 5 by the AP, the team opens the season against UCLA in Las Vegas while awaiting a key player's eligibility ruling.
By Jessica Abebe ·
Arizona basketball enters the 2026-27 season with a roster that is both familiar and new, carrying the momentum of a recent Final Four appearance into a new conference era.
The Wildcats open their campaign on November 2 at 8 p.m. MST against UCLA at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Associated Press placed Arizona at No. 5 in its preseason poll, while Big 12 coaches selected the team as the favorite to win the conference championship in the preseason poll.
Coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledges the high expectations but views them as a privilege rather than a burden. He told reporters at Big 12 Media Days that the team should not guard against these standards. Lloyd described the long offseason as a time to reset, noting that the team must build from square one despite last year's success in winning the West Regional title and advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 2001.
The roster retains key veterans who provide stability. Senior center Motiejus Krivas, the preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, leads the frontcourt. Last season, the 7-foot-2 Lithuanian averaged 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Preseason all-conference forward Ivan Kharchenkov also returns, having averaged 10.4 points per game last year. These two players form a core alongside freshman guard Caleb Holt, who was ranked the No. 2 recruit in the 2026 class by 247Sports.
A significant uncertainty surrounds fifth-year forward RJ Godfrey. Godfrey, who averaged 12 points per game on 61% shooting last season, is currently waiting on a court ruling regarding his eligibility for a fifth year of play. Lloyd noted that bringing Godfrey back would be a definite boost to the program, but the team must plan for his potential absence.
If Godfrey does not play, Arizona may need to adjust its offensive strategy. Last year, the Wildcats ranked 334th in Division I in three-pointers made per game, averaging 5.9 per contest. Holt believes the current roster can shoot more effectively, stating that the three-point game makes the team a more complete weapon.
Lloyd maintains that the team's culture remains the primary driver of success. He emphasizes that culture is a living organism that requires daily effort, not just words on paper. The Wildcats have made the NCAA Tournament in every season since Lloyd arrived in Tucson in 2021, reaching the Sweet 16 or further in all but one year.
The team faces a long season with the goal of stacking good days and learning from adversity. Lloyd stated that while another deep postseason run could happen, the work involved will be painful and involve growing pains. The Wildcats must take advantage of every tough moment to build a consistent team.
