The Arizona Wildcats' Men's Basketball team has faced some intense challenges since moving from the Pac-12 to the Big 12, but it seems the grit they hoped to develop is starting to show. The Wildcats came up short against top-seed Houston, losing 72-64 in the Big 12 Championship on March 15, 2025. This match was the final test before they head to compete against Akron on March 21, 2025, for their first NCAA Tournament round.
Players and coaches alike have noted the significant change this transition has brought. Tobe Awaka, Arizona's center, expressed confidence about his team’s growth: "I definitely think so. We’re more resilient. I think it’s also taught us how to finish games." This sentiment resonates throughout the locker room, highlighting their adaptation to the tougher competition they now face weekly.
Guard Jaden Bradley shared his insights on the Big 12’s demands, saying, "Yeah, it’s tougher, playing night in and night out, playing in tough competition. There’s not many breaks in between." Unlike their previous experience with the Pac-12, where stretches of downtime were more commonplace, Arizona's new schedule demands peak performance consistently, often with back-to-back games.
The Wildcats’ grueling schedule has included 24 games against Big 12 teams, which has created opportunities for growth. Henri Veesaar noted, "Definitely coming to the Big 12 battle-tested us," reflecting on how the challenging environment has fortified the team's spirit. Interestingly, Arizona also boasts strong defensive numbers, ranking as the 33rd most efficient defense nationwide and 19th for offensive rebounding percentage.
This intense preparation was on full display during the Big 12 Tournament, where the Wildcats made notable strides, defeating powerhouse programs such as Kansas and Texas Tech before facing Houston. Caleb Love led the pack with 19 points in the title game, alongside strong contributions from Bradley and KJ Lewis, who scored 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Entering the championship game against Houston, Arizona had high hopes after building momentum from earlier wins. They led 33-28 at halftime but quickly lost their grip as Houston's offense waded through their defense. Houston shot 56% and landed five three-point shots during the first 12 minutes of the second half, which shifted the tide decisively.
Despite this setback, Arizona showcased their resilience by clawing back to regain the lead, 62-61, following a determined putback by Awaka with just 5:32 remaining. Alas, things turned cold for the Wildcats; they wouldn’t score again, and they were outscored 11-2 by the Cougars to seal the loss.
After the game, Tommy Lloyd addressed the need for toughness, saying during the heat of play, "You gotta be tough. They’re going to go for the ball." The message resounded not just with the players but with commentator Fran Fraschilla, who lauded Arizona’s intensity, claiming, "It’s a good call but I love the toughness," acknowledging KJ Lewis' aggressive play.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson echoed this acknowledgement of toughness, noting, "I know Caleb Love is tough. Jaden Bradley is tough. KJ Lewis is tough. Veesaar is really good. He’ll be a first round (NBA) draft choice." This recognition from rival coaches emphasizes the caliber of talent Arizona has groomed throughout the season.
After the loss, eyes turned to the future as Arizona prepared for the NCAA Tournament. They returned to Tucson, gearing up for the Selection Sunday announcement. Excitement built among the team and fans alike, as each player wore shirts proclaiming, "Gritty Boyz" during the reveal party, showcasing their commitment to grit throughout this season.
Going forward, head coach Tommy Lloyd will need to adjust rotations strategically to maximize performance during March Madness. While the squad typically relies on around eight players, they may require greater depth to sustain the fierce competition they will encounter. Awaka’s foul troubles during the Big 12 tournament showcased the need for players to stay on the court without getting penalized, stressing the importance of minimizing fouls.
All eyes will certainly be on Henri Veesaar as he enters the matchup with Akron—his height and agility could provide significant advantages against smaller lineups. With this level of preparation and resilience, Arizona hopes to reshape its narrative as they step onto the NCAA Tournament stage with renewed tenacity.
Against Akron, the Wildcats aim to demonstrate how the trials of the Big 12 have conditioned them for the rigors of tournament play. March Madness is within reach, and with their resilient attitude firmly rooted, Arizona is ready to seize the challenge and announce to the world: they belong.
