Arizona basketball projected starting lineup and roster outlook for 2026-27

The 2026-27 college basketball season officially tips off in two months, with Tommy Lloyd and the Arizona Wildcats taking on Mick Cronin and the UCLA Bruins on Monday, Nov. 2, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Lloyd is entering his sixth season at the helm in Tucson, coming off his first Big 12 Conference championship and first Final Four run, which ended at the hands of eventual champion Michigan.

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While the loss of star freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries stings – especially with many hoping Peat would come back for his sophomore year – Arizona did manage to keep two significant starters in the mix, while securing a highly-regarded freshman class and key transfers to shore up the backcourt.

With 60 days until the action begins, below is a look at the Wildcats’ projected starting lineup and who will compete for rotation minutes as they head into the season with expectations of another deep March run.

Projected starting lineup

Center: Mo Krivas

Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Krivas is the anchor down low, heading into what will be his fourth season in Tucson and second as a starter. Last year, the 7’2 Lithuanian averaged 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 58.4% on twos and 78% from the free throw line.

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He is arguably a top-three center in college basketball and has a real argument for preseason Big 12 Player of the Year.

Power Forward: RJ Godfrey

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Clemson transfer RJ Godfrey was the final piece of the puzzle for Lloyd and the Wildcats, although his eligibility is far from guaranteed this upcoming season.

Currently, the 6’7 forward is eligible thanks to a ruling in Georgia, but the fifth-year senior could have that taken away if the NCAA is granted a stay before the case goes to appeal.

If Godfrey does suit up this year, he slots in nicely next to Krivas and Ivan…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/arizona-basketball-projected-starting-lineup-180506534.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-02 18:05:00

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