Koa Peat has quickly become a key piece for Tommy Lloyd, and his rise has helped turn Arizona into one of the sport’s most complete teams.
Arizona Rolls Into the Post Christmas Stretch
Arizona Wildcats return to action on Sunday by hosting South Dakota State, bringing a 12-0 record with them into the final week of December. Arizona’s nonconference resume stands among the best in the country, with wins that have come against power programs and in a variety of styles. The Wildcats have defended, run the floor, and handled pressure like a veteran group despite relying on young contributors.
A Freshman Making an Immediate Impact
One of those young contributors is Koa Peat. The Chandler native has settled into college basketball seamlessly, averaging 13.8 points per game while pulling down nearly five rebounds. At 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, Peat brings physicality and polish that stands out even on a roster filled with talent.
Peat has scored in double figures in 10 of Arizona’s 12 games, offering steady production night after night. His presence has given the Wildcats a reliable scoring option inside and in the mid-range, especially when defenses collapse on Arizona’s guards.
A Debut That Set the Tone
Peat announced himself early. In Arizona’s season-opening win over Florida, he poured in 30 points in 36 minutes against the defending national champions. It remains his scoring high, but it also set the tone for what he could be at this level. He followed that performance with strong outings against Auburn and other quality opponents as Arizona stacked wins over UCLA, UConn, and Alabama.
How Peat Scores and Why It Works
Peat is not a perimeter shooter, and he does not need to be. He is making more than 56 percent of his shots by living in the paint and operating comfortably from mid-range. He has attempted just six three-pointers all season and focuses instead on efficiency and physical finishes. His free throw shooting sits at 63.8 percent, an area that could improve as his role continues to grow.
Built for Big Moments Long Before College
Peat arrived in Tucson with a resume few freshmen can match. He was named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, played in the McDonald’s All-American Game, and competed in the Nike Hoop Summit. Internationally, he helped Team USA win gold at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Switzerland and earned additional medals with the U17 national team in Spain and Turkey.
A Family That Knows the Spotlight
Athletics runs deep in the Peat family. His father Todd played in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, while his mother starred in three sports during high school. Koa is the youngest of seven children, with siblings including Andrus, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cassius, who competes at Michigan State.
Conference Play Brings the Next Test
Arizona’s national title potential is obvious, but the next challenge is navigating a demanding Big 12 schedule. The Wildcats open conference play on January 3 at Utah before returning home to face Kansas State on January 7. With Peat continuing to grow and the roster already clicking, Arizona enters league play with confidence and expectations that only seem to be rising…