Carter Bryant is rapidly emerging as one of the most interesting players to keep an eye on for the next NBA Draft cycle, following an outstanding rookie campaign with the Arizona Wildcats. One of the most anticipated recruits in the 2024 class and a past McDonald’s All-American, Bryant’s impressive early performances have scouts giddy, and there are growing anticipation that he will be among the first group of underclassmen to formally declare.
According to a report from DraftExpress, Bryant is widely expected to be one of the early entrants once the NBA Draft declarations begin flooding in. Even though he has only been in college for a short time, he is clearly talented, and it appears he will take advantage of his draft value immediately.
Carter Bryant’s Rise Through High School Stardom to College Standout
Carter Bryant was a household name in the high school basketball scene before coming to Arizona. A McDonald’s All-American and five-star recruit, he impressed with his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. After dominating at Centennial High School in Corona, California, in his senior year, he was compared to some of the best two-way wings in recent NBA Draft classes.
For many freshmen, switching to the college game can be challenging, but Bryant handled it like an experienced pro. In his debut season at Arizona, he shot an effective 47% from the field and 36% from three-point range, averaging 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Due to his flexibility on both sides of the floor, he was an instant impact player for the Wildcats and a major factor in Arizona’s prolonged national ranking.
Bryant, a 6-foot-8 player with a 7-foot wingspan, embodies the modern NBA ideal of an athletic, versatile wing who can guard several positions and score in various ways.
Why NBA Scouts Are Excited About Carter Bryant
Bryant’s potential particularly interests NBA front offices and scouts. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to build around young, versatile talent.
Source: Arizona freshman Carter Bryant will appear on the NBA’s early-entrant list when it’s released next week. The deadline to declare for the NBA Draft was yesterday at 11:59pm ET. pic.twitter.com/19tezhdoCm
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 27, 2025
Bryant has displayed glimpses of his ability to generate his own shot, make catch-and-shoot threes, and play well in transition, all of which are transferable to the next level. Because of his defensive versatility, he can also guard small-ball power forwards and shooting guards.
Above all, Bryant has shown maturity on and off the court, earning recognition for his work ethic and ability to remain calm under duress. His rapid transition to the collegiate level further supports the idea that he will be able to contribute right away in the NBA.
It’s unclear where Bryant will end up on draft boards given the depth of the 2025 NBA Draft class, but if he keeps up his current pace, early predictions suggest he could be a lottery choice.
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Carter Bryant’s journey from McDonald’s All-American to potential one-and-done NBA prospect is moving fast, and it looks like he’s only getting started. Wildcats fans will surely savor whatever time they have left with him, but it won’t be long before Bryant is making waves at the next level.
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