Carter Bryant’s NBA Draft Decision: A New Chapter for Arizona Basketball
On May 14, 2025, Arizona Wildcats freshman forward Carter Bryant made a pivotal announcement that sent ripples through the Tucson basketball community: he is “completely in” for the 2025 NBA Draft, effectively closing the door on a return to the University of Arizona. As a projected mid-first-round pick, Bryant’s departure marks the end of a brief but impactful stint with the Wildcats. While his exit leaves a void in the roster, it also signals an opportunity for Arizona to reshape its identity under coach Tommy Lloyd as they head into the 2025-26 season. Let’s dive into what this means for both Bryant and the Arizona basketball program.
Bryant’s Rise to NBA Prospect Status
Carter Bryant arrived at Arizona as a five-star recruit, ranked among the top-25 players in the 2024 class. Standing at 6-foot-8 (or 6-foot-6.5 barefoot, as measured at the NBA Draft Combine), with a near 7-foot wingspan and a 39.5-inch vertical leap, Bryant possessed the physical tools and versatility that NBA scouts covet. His freshman season stats—6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game in 19.3 minutes—may not scream superstar, but his potential was undeniable.
Bryant’s standout moments came in the NCAA Tournament, where he showcased his two-way versatility. Against Akron, he dropped 12 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and swatted 3 blocks in just 20 minutes, earning praise from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony for his “explosiveness and shot-making prowess.” His ability to guard multiple positions, knock down 37.1% of his three-pointers, and finish with authority in transition made him a prototype for the modern NBA wing. Mock drafts project him as high as No. 10 (The Ringer) or No. 14 (ESPN), with a potential $21.7-$24.7 million rookie contract over four years—an offer tough to pass up.
By staying in the draft, Bryant is betting on his upside. Scouts note his “raw” offensive game, particularly his ball-handling and shot creation, but his defensive versatility and shooting mechanics suggest he could thrive in a 3-and-D role at the next level. For Bryant, the NBA Draft Combine (May 11-18, 2025) was a chance to solidify his stock, and his decision to go all-in reflects confidence in his professional future.
The Impact on Arizona Basketball
Bryant’s departure is a significant loss for Arizona, but it’s not uncharted territory for a program accustomed to sending talent to the NBA. Coach Tommy Lloyd, who has navigated similar situations with players like Bennedict Mathurin and Dalen Terry, now faces the challenge of retooling a roster that was banking on Bryant’s potential sophomore leap. Here’s what his exit means for the Wildcats:
- A Hole in the Frontcourt
Bryant’s role as a versatile forward, capable of playing both the 3 and 4, was critical to Arizona’s fluid, positionless style. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide energy off the bench gave Lloyd flexibility. Without him, the Wildcats lose a player who was expected to start in 2025-26 and potentially command a low seven-figure NIL deal.
Arizona already has 11 scholarship players for 2025-26, including returning starters Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell’Orso, plus five-star freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries. However, replacing Bryant’s unique skill set won’t be straightforward. Koa Peat, a 6-foot-8 forward, could slide into the power forward spot, while Dwayne Aristode, another athletic freshman, might see an expanded role. Still, neither has Bryant’s proven shooting or defensive polish, meaning Lloyd may need to dip into the transfer portal for a veteran wing. - A Youth Movement
Without Bryant, Arizona’s 2025-26 roster will be Lloyd’s youngest yet, with six freshmen, including three five-star recruits (Peat, Burries, and Aristode). This youth infusion could make Arizona dynamic but inconsistent, especially with a brutal non-conference schedule featuring Florida, Alabama, Auburn, UCLA, and UConn. The Wildcats’ depth—bolstered by returners like Motiejus Krivas and KJ Lewis—will be tested early, and Lloyd’s ability to develop raw talent will be crucial. - NIL and Roster Strategy
Bryant’s decision underscores the new realities of college basketball, where NIL deals and revenue-sharing agreements complicate stay-or-go decisions. Arizona had secured a revenue-sharing deal for Bryant, reportedly in the low seven figures, but the lure of a guaranteed $3-5 million NBA rookie contract proved stronger. With the transfer portal closed and top-tier players scarce, Lloyd must balance recruiting high-upside freshmen with finding immediate contributors. The addition of international bigs Sidi Gueye and Mabil Mawut, both 6-foot-11, suggests a focus on long-term development, but Arizona may still seek a transfer to plug the gap. - A Testament to Arizona’s NBA Pipeline
Bryant’s draft stock—despite modest college stats—highlights Arizona’s reputation as an NBA talent factory. Under Lloyd, the Wildcats have consistently produced first-round picks, and Bryant’s projected lottery status reinforces that brand. This could boost recruiting, as top prospects see Arizona as a fast track to the pros. However, it also means Lloyd must continually reload, a challenge he’s met with top-15 classes like 2025’s No. 2-ranked group.
Looking Ahead: Arizona’s Path Forward
While losing Bryant stings, Arizona is far from depleted. The Wildcats are projected as a top-15 team without him, and a top-five contender if he had returned. Lloyd’s system, which emphasizes pace, versatility, and player development, should keep Arizona competitive in the Big 12 and beyond. The focus now shifts to integrating freshmen like Peat and Burries, who could become stars in their own right, and leveraging veterans like Bradley to steady the ship.
For fans, Bryant’s exit is bittersweet. His electrifying dunks and defensive flashes—like his block-to-jam sequence against Akron—hinted at a future All-American. Yet, his decision to chase an NBA dream is a reminder of Arizona’s role in shaping the game’s next generation. As the Wildcats prepare for a challenging 2025-26, they’ll lean on Lloyd’s vision and a new crop of talent to keep McKale Center rocking.
Bear Down, Carter. And Bear Down, Arizona. The next chapter awaits.