Full Breakdown
Koa Peat’s Draft Decision Reshapes Arizona Wildcats’ Offseason
5/28/2026, 9:24:28 PM
Peat’s Draft Decision and Immediate Impact
Arizona forward Koa Peat announced on the NBA-draft withdrawal deadline that he will stay in the 2026 NBA Draft, ending his eligibility after one season. The decision leaves head coach Tommy Lloyd with a vacant front-court role that helped Arizona win the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles and reach a Final Four since 2001.
Peat’s Season and Combine Performance
During 2025-26 Peat averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, earned third-team All-Big 12 honors, and recorded a 34.5-inch vertical at the Combine. He shot 6-for-25 in the spot-up drill and 7-for-25 in the three-point star drill, the lowest combined result among participants. ESPN’s mock draft lists him at No. 27, projecting a mid-to-late first-round pick; other drafts place him outside the first round.
Coach Lloyd’s View
Lloyd said coaches “walk a fine line” when supporting players facing an irreversible decision and noted that “college coaches … are often perceived as selfish when trying to keep players in the program.” He affirmed the staff will respect Peat’s choice while focusing on roster rebuilding.
Transfer Portal Target: Milan Momcilovic
Former Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic withdrew from the draft on the same day, leading the nation with 136 three-pointers at 48.7 %. Kentucky, Louisville, St. John’s and Arizona have expressed interest, with Arizona viewing him as a potential perimeter-shooting replacement.
Arizona’s Roster Adjustments
Arizona added guards Derek Dixon (North Carolina) and JJ Mandaquit (Washington) and five-star recruit Caleb Holt, and retained Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas. Peat’s exit leaves a need for a scorer who can stretch defenses, a role Momcilovic could fill.
Criticism and Draft Projection Variance
Analysts highlighted Peat’s limited three-point volume (20 attempts, 7-for-20) and a 62.3 % free-throw rate. Mock drafts vary, with some ranking him as high as No. 20 and others placing him outside the first round, underscoring uncertainty about his shooting development.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just trying to work on that as much as I can, trying to shoot the ball the same way every time,” — Koa Peat, Arizona forward (ESPN)
- “Being a kid from Arizona, putting on this jersey, having Arizona across my chest. Like I said in the beginning of the season, when I put Arizona across my chest, I'm going to go 110 percent every game and leave no regrets.” — Koa Peat (247Sports)
- “I think we always get looked at as selfish, you know, if you're trying to keep the players in the program.” — Tommy Lloyd, Arizona head coach (CBS Sports)
- “I’ve been in college for three years, and I know what to ask and what to look for,” — Milan Momcilovic, former Iowa State forward (CBS Sports)
Outlook for Arizona
Arizona will intensify talks with Momcilovic while integrating its new transfers. Peat’s draft position will be confirmed on draft night, and his NBA role—G League or bench minutes—will shape his development.
