The Arizona Wildcats basketball program has secured its place as a powerhouse, even way beyond college hoops and on the NBA’s biggest stage. The program has achieved an incredible milestone: 11 straight years with at least one former player in the NBA Finals.
This year, T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin, both key contributors for the Indiana Pacers, have kept the streak alive, showcasing the program’s enduring ability to produce elite talent. This run, which began in 2015 with Andre Iguodala, highlights Arizona’s reputation as a factory for NBA stars, a legacy that continues to grow with each passing season.
Arizona Wildcats’ Streak Began With Iguodala in 2015
The University of Arizona’s basketball program has a storied history, with roots tracing back to the 1980s under coach Lute Olson. Olson, who led the Wildcats to a 1997 NCAA championship and four Final Four appearances, set the standard for excellence in Tucson. His focus on recruiting versatile players and developing their skills created a blueprint that future coaches followed, ensuring Arizona remained a pipeline to the NBA.
To start with, Iguodala, who played at Arizona from 2002 to 2004, emerged as a key piece for the Golden State Warriors. Iguodala’s role in the 2015 Finals was nothing short of exceptional, as he earned Finals MVP honors for his defense on LeBron James and his all-around play.
In six games in the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His performance helped the Warriors secure their first title in 40 years, and Iguodala would go on to appear in the Finals with Golden State from 2015 to 2019, winning four championships during that span.
11 straight years of having a Wildcat in the NBA Finals 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/u0SI6eNiL2
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) June 1, 2025
So, Iguodala’s success set the stage for other Wildcats to follow. Over the next decade, players like DeAndre Ayton (Phoenix Suns, 2021), Aaron Gordon (Denver Nuggets, 2023), and Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks, 2024) kept Arizona’s presence alive in the Finals.
According to historical data from sources, more than 11 former Wildcats have collectively won more than 22 NBA championships across 15 different Finals years, projecting the program’s significant impact on the league.
T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin Lead Pacers to 2025 NBA Finals
The 2025 NBA Finals brought Arizona back into the spotlight, with McConnell and Mathurin representing the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers, a four-seed in the Eastern Conference, made a surprising run to the Finals, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the semifinals, and the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
McConnell and Mathurin, both Arizona alumni, played an important role in this journey, bringing their skills to the professional stage.
McConnell, who transferred to Arizona from Duquesne and played for the Wildcats from 2013 to 2015, has become a cornerstone of the Pacers’ second unit. Known for his hustle and playmaking, he averaged 11.8 points and 5.1 assists per game off the bench during the 2025 playoffs.
His impact was particularly evident in the series against the Knicks, where he recorded 10 points, two rebounds, and four assists in just 14 minutes during a 114-109 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Mathurin, a more recent Arizona product, played for the Wildcats from 2020 to 2022 before being selected sixth overall by the Pacers in the 2022 NBA Draft. During his sophomore year at Arizona, Mathurin earned Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, averaging 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
In the 2025 playoffs, Mathurin showcased his scoring ability, most notably in Game 4 against the Knicks, where he erupted for 20 points in just 12 minutes off the bench, helping the Pacers secure a critical win.
Beyond the players mentioned above, other Wildcats have left their mark on the Finals stage. Richard Jefferson, who played at Arizona from 1998 to 2001, reached the Finals with the New Jersey Nets in 2002 and 2003, and later won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Jason Terry, a key member of Arizona’s 1997 NCAA championship team, won an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, earning Sixth Man of the Year honors that season with 15.7 points per game off the bench. These players, among others, have contributed to Arizona’s legacy of Finals success.
