Arizona's dynamic duo, Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries, were just shy of All-American honors, earning honorable mentions from the Associated Press. Bradley, who snagged the Big XII Player of the Year title from the coaches, found himself in a competitive field where four of his Big XII counterparts made the All-American list.
The AP spotlighted forwards A.J. Dybansta of BYU and J.T.
Toppin of Texas Tech as first-team All-Americans, while Joshua Jefferson of Iowa State secured a spot on the second team. Texas Tech's guard Christian Anderson rounded out the third team.
Notably, Arizona managed to sweep BYU and Iowa State this season, though they faced defeat against Texas Tech.
Bradley showcased his prowess with averages of 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, emerging as a clutch performer throughout the 2025-26 season. His critical plays helped Arizona notch victories over Florida, Connecticut, and UCLA, propelling them up the rankings.
On the other hand, Burries led the Wildcats with 15.9 points per game, adding 1.6 steals, and hitting 55 three-pointers out of 150 attempts. His contributions extended to 4.7 rebounds per game, and he was second only to Bradley with 2.5 assists per game. Burries often took over as the primary ball handler when Bradley was off the court.
Arizona's offensive balance is a force to be reckoned with, featuring Koa Peat (13.6 PPG), Motiejus Krivas (10.8 PPG), and Ivan Kharchenkov (10.1 PPG) all averaging double figures. Tobe Awaka and Anthony Dell'Orso also contribute significantly, each averaging over 9 points per game, showcasing Arizona's depth and versatility.
Dwayne Aristode, another key player in the eight-man rotation, is poised for a breakout in the NCAA Tournament. Standing at 6'8", Aristode is a threat from beyond the arc, shooting 44.4% on three-point attempts, despite missing four games in February due to illness.
Bradley and Burries are the engines of Arizona's perimeter game, orchestrating the offense with precision. Meanwhile, Awaka, Krivas, and Peat dominate the post, and Dell'Orso and Kharchenkov provide stability on the wings. Arizona has truly embodied team play throughout the 2025-26 season, creating a balanced and formidable squad.