Arizona men’s basketball entered the 2026‑27 season with high expectations after a recent Final Four run. A surprising opening‑night loss to UCLA in Las Vegas – the program’s first defeat there in two decades – highlighted areas needing immediate attention.
Recent performance and coach’s assessment
The Wildcats rebounded with a dominant 20‑point victory over Cal Poly last Thursday, yet head coach Tommy Lloyd described the effort as “up and down.” He noted, “We’re still a team trying to figure it out a little bit. All these experiences are stacking, and hopefully they provide a great foundation of learning.” Lloyd stressed that the next step is translating that learning into consistent execution.
Key issues to watch
Rebounding – The Wildcats’ hallmark in their Final Four season was aggressive rebounding, led by former Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year Tobe Awaka. So far this season the team has struggled in that department. UCLA collected 16 offensive boards for 20 second‑chance points, while Cal Poly secured 13 offensive rebounds and added 17 points. Arizona managed 27 offensive rebounds total, but many scrambles have not resulted in extra possessions.
Coach Lloyd emphasized, “We want to be great in the hustle areas and loose balls and rebounds. Those are what help you get stops, prevent the opponent from scoring, and create extra chances for us.”
Effort and execution – Players such as Caleb Holt, Ivan Kharchenkov and JJ Mandaquit have shown willingness to dive for loose balls, but defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities have limited the team’s overall effectiveness.
Shooting efficiency – Arizona held UCLA to 38 percent shooting, but allowed Cal Poly to hit 43.9 percent overall and 16‑of‑37 from three‑point range. The Wildcats generated 14 steals against Cal Poly but also missed numerous open looks, underscoring the need for smarter shot selection.
Decision‑making and discipline
Lloyd warned against overly cautious play, stating, “If I make the guys too wound‑tight they become afraid to make a decision. You need a fine line of calculated risk.” He urged players to be aggressive yet disciplined, especially when pursuing steals and fast‑break opportunities.
Freshman forward Caleb Holt admitted, “I made a few mistakes taking big risks, but (Lloyd) wants us to be smart while being aggressive.” The coach’s message is clear: the team must balance hustle with intelligent choices.
Frontcourt depth concerns
With Tobe Awaka absent, Arizona needs a reliable bench contributor in the frontcourt. Transfers Ugnius Jarusevicius and Evan Otten have yet to make a strong impact. Jarusevicius recorded two rebounds and an assist in six minutes against UCLA, and only two fouls in seven minutes versus Cal Poly. Otten, who did not play in the opener, logged nine minutes against Cal Poly, pulling down seven rebounds (three offensive), a block, a steal and an assist, but missed three of four free throws.
Lloyd expressed optimism, saying, “I’m waiting for one of them to step up. When a player finds his moment, his sense of belonging jumps, and everything else falls into place.”
Upcoming matchup
The Wildcats will host the NAU Lumberjacks on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. MT on ESPN+. NAU enters the game 0‑2, with losses to UNLV and New Mexico. Guard Chris Komin has been the Lumberjacks’ offensive spark, scoring 24 points in the opener and 21 in the second game.
Arizona will continue to start Kharchenkov at power forward alongside center Motiejus Krivas. Both saw substantial minutes in the Cal Poly win (29 and 31 minutes respectively). Freshman Maksim Brnovic has shown comfort playing the three‑point spot, contributing to the team’s perimeter options.
Off‑court note
The program is also monitoring the eligibility case of RJ Godfrey, with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. The outcome could affect roster depth later in the season.
As the Wildcats prepare for their first home game against an in‑state rival, the focus remains on tightening rebounding, sharpening decision‑making and unlocking the potential of bench players. Success in these areas will be crucial before the team embarks on a challenging road stretch that includes a trip to Auburn and a home game against UConn.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
