Arizona Basketball Showcase Features Fresh Talent and Celebrity Appearance

TUCSON, Arizona — Arizona basketball kicked off the new season with excitement during the annual Red-Blue Showcase on Friday night at McKale Center. This event allowed fans to see the highly anticipated freshmen class and returning players ahead of the upcoming season.

The festivities included a dunk contest, a 3-point shooting contest featuring the women’s basketball team, and a 5-on-5 scrimmage. After the showcase, a postgame party called Post Move took place on Bear Down Field, featuring Shaquille O’Neal, also known as DJ Diesel, and a performance by head coach Tommy Lloyd‘s alter-ego, DJ Tomm-E.

“I feel like we got a lot of great pieces. This is a team that’s going to be built for all the challenges that are in front of us,” Coach Lloyd said about his fifth team at Arizona.

The Wildcats will see significant contributions from senior point guard Jaden Bradley, who returned for his final season after exploring NBA options in the previous two offseasons. “JB is a first-class individual,” Lloyd said. “I really value what he brings to our team on and off the court.”

Also returning is junior center Motiejus Krivas, who missed most of last season due to an injury. Lloyd expressed optimism about Krivas’s recovery, stating, “We’re going to continue to encourage him, but I think he’s at the point where the next step probably needs to be doing it under the lights.”

In addition to veterans, the team boasts a strong group of incoming freshmen. Koa Peat and Brayden Burries are expected to make an immediate impact, with both expressing their first impressions of the team’s competitive practices.

Arizona’s nonconference schedule features challenging opponents, including defending national champions Florida and games against prominent teams such as UCLA and San Diego State. The Wildcats will begin their season with an exhibition game against Saint Mary’s on October 18.

“We know how good Saint Mary’s is. They have high-level players and a high-level coach,” Lloyd added, addressing the importance of the exhibition match.

The Red-Blue Showcase also served as a recruitment opportunity, with top recruit Caleb Holt in attendance. Holt, a five-star recruit, is drawing attention from several top programs nationwide. He played alongside Peat during Team USA events in the past, strengthening their connection. “I want our fans to remember these moments that make them passionate about Arizona basketball,” Lloyd said of engaging the community.