Brayden Burries is no longer just a promising freshman-he’s officially arrived. Arizona’s first-year guard has been on a tear, and after a dominant stretch on the road, he’s walking away with some well-earned hardware: Big 12 Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week.
That’s not just impressive-it’s rarefied air. Burries joins fellow freshman Koa Peat as the only Wildcats to win both awards this season, though Burries did it in the same week, making his feat even more notable.
Let’s break down why Burries is suddenly the name everyone in the Big 12 is circling.
First, there was the showdown in Provo. Arizona’s 86-83 win over BYU was a high-octane battle, and Burries didn’t just show up-he took over.
He dropped a career-high 29 points and, with the game hanging in the balance, came up with a clutch blocked shot in the final seconds. That’s the kind of two-way impact that turns heads.
Then, just days later in Tempe, he followed it up with a 17-point outing against Arizona State, showing consistency and poise on the road.
For the week, Burries averaged 23 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, 2.5 steals, and a block-numbers that reflect just how complete his game is becoming. He’s not just scoring; he’s defending, facilitating, and rebounding. That’s the kind of all-around production that makes coaches-and award voters-take notice.
Right now, Burries leads Arizona in scoring at 15.3 points per game, and he’s been even better in Big 12 play, averaging 17.2 points on a blistering 52 percent shooting. That efficiency, especially for a freshman, is elite. He’s not forcing the issue-he’s reading the game, picking his spots, and delivering.
And while Burries is making headlines, his backcourt partner is getting his due, too.
Jaden Bradley, Arizona’s senior point guard, has officially landed on the midseason Top 10 watch list for the Bob Cousy Award, which honors the best point guard in college basketball. It’s a recognition that felt overdue after his season-opening performance-27 points against defending national champ Florida-but it’s here now, and it’s well-deserved.
Bradley has been the steady hand guiding Arizona’s offense, averaging 13.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. But it’s his efficiency that really jumps off the page: 50.5 percent from the field, 44.4 percent from deep, and 81.6 percent from the free-throw line. In Big 12 play, he’s bumped that scoring average up to 14.6 points per game.
What sets Bradley apart is his ability to rise in the biggest moments. He’s earned a “closer” label for a reason-21 points in the second half at UCF, 17 after halftime at TCU.
When the game tightens up, Bradley tightens his grip. That kind of late-game composure is invaluable, especially in a conference as deep and physical as the Big 12.
Arizona has never had a Cousy Award winner, but it’s not unfamiliar with Hoophall honors. Stanley Johnson took home the Julius Erving Award in 2015, and Deandre Ayton snagged the Karl Malone Award in 2018.
This year, the Wildcats could be in the mix again. Koa Peat was on the preseason watch list for the Malone Award, and Burries was on the list for the Jerry West Award, given to the nation’s top shooting guard.
Updated midseason lists for those honors are expected later this week.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Burries and Bradley. One is a freshman making a fast climb toward stardom.
The other is a senior anchoring the backcourt with veteran poise. Together, they’re giving Arizona one of the most dynamic guard duos in the country-and putting the rest of the Big 12 on notice.