The Arizona Wildcats have long been a force in college basketball. Coached by the talented Tommy Lloyd, the team’s goals are always set high, and a Final Four appearance is always achievable.
While things have often seemed to be going in the right direction, the 2025 season could be turned on its head by one potential NBA Draft pick.
How Does The NBA Draft Affect the Arizona Wildcats?
While it is good news for teams to have players enter the NBA Draft, it comes with obvious challenges. Losing key players to the draft could affect the team’s performance if suitable replacements are not found. Sadly, Tommy Lloyd’s team now depends on what happens during the NBA draft.
Caleb Love is one of the team’s key players. He averaged 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in the 2024–25 season. If he leaves, his absence will raise many concerns for Tommy Lloyd.
Another player the team would sorely miss is Carter Bryant. In a recent interview on the “Field of 68: After Dark” channel on YouTube, while discussing Arizona’s intriguing offseason, Goodman mentioned that the team might lose some relevance and move down the pecking order if Bryant leaves.
While commenting on Bryant’s decision to return to Arizona, he said, “If he comes back, then I think you’ve got a squad.”
Goodman also expressed concerns that relying on freshmen is difficult to win. He questioned the idea of depending on first-year players at the highest level if a Final Four run—or better—is the goal. In reality, these concerns are genuine. While first-year students can be talented, they must play on a stable team to make a difference.
If players like Caleb Love and Carter Bryant, who have both declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, leave, then Tommy Lloyd and his team could see their final four dreams go up in smoke. Moreover, weakening this team will not convince these players to stay. Tommy Lloyd now needs to make his move.
With the transfer portal closed, their season will depend on players returning to the team rather than entering the NBA Draft. Lloyd must employ all the man-management tactics he knows to protect his team.
Their dream of a Final Four run is achievable with Carter Bryant and Caleb Love on the team. But if they leave, it could be an extremely difficult season for Lloyd and his squad.
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