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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 20: Taj Degourville #24 of the San Diego State Aztecs dribbles the ball against Motiejus Krivas #13 and Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Aztecs 68-45. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It took until the last pick, but Arizona had two players selected in the first round of an NBA Draft for the sixth time in school history. Based on one early projection, the Wildcats could top that number next year.
ESPN’s early mock for the 2027 NBA Draft has three UA players going in the opening round, topped by another freshman. All three 1st-round picks from Arizona under Tommy Lloyd have been one-and-done college athletes.
Incoming freshman guard Caleb Holt, the No. 2 player in the 2026 recruiting class according to 247Sports, is projected to go third overall to the Memphis Grizzlies. He would be the UA’s highest-taken player since Deandre Ayton went No. 1 to the Phoenix Suns in 2018.
Here’s what ESPN’s Jeremy Woo said of Holt:
“Holt may have the highest floor of any player in the incoming freshman class. He is a hard-nosed, physical perimeter player who contributes in all areas of the box score, plays a tenacious style and has developed his guard skills. He has the size and length to guard multiple positions, rebounds well and brings energy. Although Holt isn’t a true point guard and is still developing as a shooter, there’s a lot to be enthusiastic about, with scouts wondering if he can follow a Jrue Holiday-esque blueprint. He is ready to make an impact in college and should slot in immediately to help replace Brayden Burries’ minutes at Arizona.
Holt’s archetype as a utility combo guard would make him a nontraditional No. 1 candidate if he breaks out. But he’s an easy player to like and should be in line for a strong freshman season.”
Beyond Holt, two returning Wildcats who likely would have been picked this week had they entered the draft are pegged to go in the first round in 2027.
Center Motiejus Krivas is projected 14th overall, which would give the UA two lottery picks for the first time in school history, while wing Ivan Kharchenkov is listed at No. 27. Krivas would also be Arizona’s first senior to go in the first round since Solomon Hill in 2013.
Under the new 5-for-5 eligibility rule that the NCAA just approved—pending the inevitable lawsuits—Krivas would still have one more year after the upcoming one but would be unlikely to use it.
Arizona has produced 29 1st round picks in its history, 7th-most among all colleges.
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