Arizona Wildcats basketball fans have another reason to be optimistic heading into the 2026‑27 season. Senior center Motiejus Krivas was named to the Associated Press Preseason All‑American team, a five‑player honor that places him among the nation’s most highly regarded players before the first tip‑off.
National recognition alongside elite peers
The AP selection pairs Krivas with Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr., Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner and Illinois’ David Mirkovic. All five athletes are expected to be key contributors for their respective programs, and Krivas’s inclusion underscores the respect he has earned from coaches and media members across the country.
Krivas, a 7‑footer originally from Lithuania, was also the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year last month. He enters his fourth season with the Wildcats after a solid sophomore campaign in which he started all 39 games, averaging 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest. Those numbers helped Arizona secure a top‑10 finish in the conference and set the stage for a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.
Krivas’s outlook on the award
During the Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, Krivas downplayed the significance of preseason accolades, emphasizing the work that still lies ahead. “This preseason award doesn’t determine anything, and you have to go and prove it,” he said. “I would much rather get an after‑season award. It’s cool, but you have to prove it.” His modest attitude reflects the team‑first culture that Coach Tommy Lloyd has cultivated in Tucson.
Krivas’s humility is a reminder that preseason lists are speculative. The Wildcats will need to translate his individual talent into collective success, especially as they face a competitive Big 12 schedule that includes perennial powerhouses such as Kansas, Baylor and Texas Tech.
What the honor means for Arizona basketball
The Wildcats have a recent history of producing All‑American talent. The most recent consensus All‑American from Arizona was fellow Lithuanian big man Azuolas Tubelis in 2023, and Krivas now joins that distinguished lineage. His recognition also shines a spotlight on the program’s recruiting pipeline, which continues to attract high‑caliber international players who adapt quickly to the fast‑paced, physical style of college basketball in the Southwest.
In addition to Krivas, sophomore guard Ivan Kharchenkov earned one vote for the AP preseason team, indicating that Arizona’s backcourt also commands national attention. If both players can stay healthy and maintain their production, the Wildcats are positioned to contend for a conference title and a deep tournament run.
Looking ahead
Fans can expect Krivas to be a dominant presence in the paint, protecting the rim, securing rebounds and providing a reliable scoring option near the basket. His experience will be vital for younger teammates, and his work ethic sets a standard for the entire roster.
As the season approaches, the Wildcats will host several non‑conference games that will serve as early tests of their chemistry. Those matchups, combined with the grueling Big 12 slate, will determine whether Krivas can turn preseason praise into postseason accolades.
Arizona supporters are encouraged to attend the upcoming home games at McKale Center, where Krivas’s size and skill will be on full display. With his AP Preseason All‑American nod, the Wildcats have a clear signal that they are a team to watch in the national conversation.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
