The Arizona Wildcats secured a major recruiting victory as five-star power forward Koa Peat announced his commitment to play college basketball in Tucson. Peat, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound standout from Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, revealed his decision live on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday afternoon. Ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2025 class, Peat chose Arizona over Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, and Texas.
Koa Peat Announces Commitment to Arizona
Peat’s commitment is a monumental addition to Arizona’s program, as the elite forward has already built an impressive resume. A four-time state champion and a decorated Team USA member, he brings a winning pedigree to a Wildcats team looking to continue its dominance in the Big 12 and beyond.
BREAKING: Top-10 senior Koa Peat has committed to Arizona, he announced on @PatMcAfeeShow. Peat chose the Wildcats over Arizona State, while Baylor, Houston and Texas were also on his final list. Ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 100, three-time gold medalist and four-time state champion. pic.twitter.com/Z0FhJGFIzL
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 27, 2025
Peat has been a dominant force at Perry High School, helping the program secure four consecutive state championships.
Before the introduction of Arizona’s Open Division tournament, he won the 6A title and proceeded to claim three Open Division championships, including one as a senior while playing through a fractured hand.
Beyond his high school highlights, Peat has shined on the international stage with USA Basketball.
He was instrumental in Team USA’s gold medal victory at the 2023 U16 AmeriCup, where he averaged 17.2 points on 58.7% shooting, 8.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His performance earned him the prestigious USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year award.
Peat continued his dominance this past year at the 2024 U17 World Cup, posting 17.9 points (62.5% FG), 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game to help the U.S. win another gold medal. His ability to contribute at a high level against top-tier international competition showcases why he is considered one of the best prospects in the 2025 recruiting class.
What Peat Brings to Arizona
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd has made it a priority to recruit elite talent, and Peat’s commitment reinforces the Wildcats’ standing as a premier destination for top prospects. Peat’s versatility makes him a perfect fit for Lloyd’s system, as he combines size, athleticism, and skill to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
At 6-foot-8, 235 pounds, Peat has the strength to battle in the post while also possessing the ball-handling and shooting ability to stretch the floor.
His defensive instincts and rebounding prowess will provide Arizona with a high-impact player from day one. With his high basketball IQ and leadership qualities, Peat is expected to be an immediate contributor.
Wildcats Win the In-State Battle
Arizona’s ability to secure Peat’s commitment over in-state rival Arizona State is a significant win on the recruiting trail. While Baylor, Houston, and Texas also made Peat’s final list, the appeal of staying home and playing for a historic program like Arizona won out.
The Wildcats have not signed multiple five-star recruits in a single class since 2019, when they landed Josh Green, Nico Mannion, and Zeke Nnaji. Peat kept his recruitment process tightly guarded, leaving even the programs not sure about his final decision. In the end, he chose the Wildcats, adding to an already exciting era for Arizona basketball.
Peat’s commitment comes at an exciting time for Arizona basketball, as the Wildcats are currently in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament and set to face Duke tonight.
KEEP READING: Who Is Koa Peat’s Father? Discover the Man Behind the 5-Star Basketball Recruit
His decision reinforces Arizona’s momentum on both the recruiting trail and the national stage, further solidifying the program’s future.
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