Arizona's got the look of a national title contender-and not just on paper. ESPN’s Big XII analyst Fran Fraschilla, speaking on the Evan Miyakawa podcast, laid out exactly why he believes the Wildcats are built to win it all this season. And it starts with something every championship team needs: a dominant frontcourt and a steady hand at point guard.
Fraschilla pointed to Arizona’s size up front as a key differentiator, highlighting the return of Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas. Awaka is a known force on the glass, one of the top rebounders in the country, and his physicality sets the tone for Arizona’s interior presence.
Krivas, who missed most of last season due to injury, has made a noticeable impact on the defensive end since his return. When he’s on the floor, Arizona’s defense tightens up-something that doesn’t always show up in the box score but jumps off the screen if you’re watching closely.
Add in true freshman Koa Peat at power forward, and Arizona’s frontcourt rotation becomes even more dangerous. Peat’s presence has helped transform the Wildcats into one of the most efficient teams in the country at scoring in the paint. He’s brought a physical, mature game that belies his age, and his ability to finish through contact has given Arizona another reliable option inside.
But the engine that makes it all go is Jaden Bradley. With Caleb Love having moved on after last season, Bradley has stepped into the role of closer-and he’s thriving.
In six games this season where the score was within six points in the final five minutes, Bradley has averaged 3.8 points in crunch time. That’s not just clutch-that’s trust from his teammates and coaches to have the ball in his hands when it matters most.
Fraschilla didn’t hold back in his praise for Bradley, calling him his favorite player in college basketball. And when you hear him talk about Bradley’s game, it’s easy to see why.
He compared the junior guard’s midrange craft to a young Chris Paul-especially when Bradley gets to that right elbow late in the shot clock. That’s where he’s surgical.
It’s not flashy, but it’s pure basketball IQ and feel, the kind of old-school game that wins in March.
“They have everything you need to be a national champion,” Fraschilla said. “They’re my favorite team to watch in the country.”
Right now, the polls agree. Arizona is the unanimous No. 1 in both the AP Top 25 and the USA Coaches Poll for the third straight week. And in the advanced metrics world-sites like EvanMiya-they’re right there at the top alongside Michigan.
Looking ahead, the race for the NCAA Tournament’s No. 1 overall seed is shaping up to be a four-team sprint between Arizona, Michigan, Connecticut, and Duke. But Arizona and Michigan have the edge when it comes to remaining opportunities to strengthen their resumes. With Selection Sunday set for March 15, every game from here on out matters just a little more.
For now, Arizona isn’t just winning-they’re dominating. They’ve got the size, the depth, the defense, and a point guard who knows how to close. That’s a formula that travels in March.