Carter Bryant Shines as Arizona Wildcats Aim for NCAA Success

TUCSON, Ariz. — Freshman forward Carter Bryant is proving his worth as a top NBA prospect this postseason, showcasing his skills as the Arizona Wildcats advance through the NCAA Tournament. After an impressive performance in the Big 12 Tournament Championship, Bryant contributed significantly in Arizona’s first-round game against Akron on Friday, scoring 12 points, grabbing five rebounds, and blocking three shots in just 20 minutes of play.

ESPN NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony noted Bryant’s versatility and potential, calling his tournament debut good and highlighting his two-way versatility. ‘Good NCAA tournament debut for Carter Bryant, showing his two-way versatility, explosiveness, and shot-making prowess,’ Givony tweeted. He has risen in NBA draft projections, landing at No. 19, up from No. 25 previously.

The highlight of Bryant’s performance came during a sequence where he blocked an Akron shot, sprinted down the court, and finished with a dunk seconds later. ‘I think I just give all the credit to my teammates and the coaching staff,’ Bryant said postgame. ‘They have been getting on me all year to play harder, play harder, play harder.’

Bryant’s escalating minutes and production throughout the season have earned him the trust of head coach Tommy Lloyd. His contributions have steadily increased from an average of 14.8 minutes per game during non-conference play to 20.4 minutes in Big 12 action, and he has logged at least 20 minutes in all four postseason games so far. Over these games, he is averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.

The Wildcats now face a tough opponent in the Oregon Ducks in the next round, a team that presents a greater challenge with their size and tenacity than Akron did. Arizona and Oregon tip off on Sunday at 6:40 p.m. MST on TBS.

Born in Riverside, California, Bryant was a high four-star recruit out of Centennial High School, ranked 21st nationally by On3. His first season at Arizona saw him playing a crucial role despite not having eye-popping stats — currently, he averages 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. However, his efficiency remains impressive, boasting a 58.7% effective field goal rate.

In the realm of NBA comparisons, Bryant’s skill set has drawn early observations likening him to established players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. His abilities on defense, particularly his footwork and mobility, have allowed him to make a name for himself as a disruptor, contributing to 1.9 stocks (combined steals and blocks) per game.

As the Wildcats progress in their tournament journey, Bryant’s performance could heavily impact not only Arizona’s success but also his draft stock heading into the June draft. The excitement surrounding his potential continues to build, along with expectations that he may continue to elevate his game as the tournament intensifies.