Can Arizona's Guard, Jaden Bradley, Step Up? The Arizona Wildcats are facing a pivotal season, and all eyes are on their backcourt. After a strong 24-13 season that saw them reach the Sweet Sixteen, the team is looking to build on that success. But here's where it gets interesting...
Tommy Lloyd's fourth season in Tucson was marked by a veteran roster. However, several key players have moved on. Caleb Love has graduated, Carter Bryant was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, and other contributors like KJ Lewis and Henri Veesaar have transferred.
Now, Lloyd's fifth campaign is looking to talented freshmen, forward Koa Peat and guard Brayden Burries, as he aims to improve upon his impressive 112-33 record in Tucson.
With the departure of key players, the primary guard duties fall to Jaden Bradley, who impressed with his defense last season. Bradley averaged 12.1 points and 1.8 steals per game in 37 starts.
But here's a controversial twist: Bradley was surprisingly left off the Big 12's preseason all-conference team. This team featured 10 players, none of whom were Wildcats.
His defensive skills will continue to be a valuable asset, but as the most experienced guard, alongside Harvard transfer Evan Nelson, Bradley will also be crucial offensively. Last season, he shot 46.7% from the field, including 32.1% from three-point range.
Love's absence, who averaged 17.2 points per game last season, leaves a significant scoring void that Bradley is expected to fill.
Bradley's exclusion from the preseason recognition is a head-scratcher, given his anticipated increased role. The former Alabama transfer has shown improvement each season, and his second season starting for the Wildcats should see continued growth.
Arizona is predicted to finish fourth in the Big 12's preseason poll, behind Houston, Texas Tech, and BYU. They did receive one first-place vote. The Wildcats are also ranked No. 13 in the first AP Poll of the season and are projected as a 4-seed in the East bracket of the NCAA Tournament in March, according to ESPN's Joe Lunardi.
The Wildcats will heavily rely on Bradley this season, with Peat and Burries expected to start, and Tobe Awaka and Motiejus Krivas playing key roles in the frontcourt.
Arizona's season begins in Las Vegas against the defending national champion Florida Gators, putting Bradley and the team to the test immediately.
What do you think? Was Bradley snubbed from the All-Big 12 team? Share your thoughts in the comments! Do you think the Wildcats can still make a deep run in the tournament?
