Get to Know Koa Peat
Koa Peat sits down with Lauren Green from NBA TV to discuss the NBA Draft.
Overview
After earning Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year honors at Perry High School in three consecutive seasons, Koa Peat joined the University of Arizona for the 2025-26 campaign. The five-star recruit was also invited to the McDonald’s All-American Game in his senior year but couldn’t participate due to a hand injury. Peat was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team in his lone collegiate season, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.7 blocks and 0.6 steals in 27.8 minutes per outing across 36 games. He was a major contributor for the Wildcats and helped Arizona reach the Final Four for the first time since 2001. He also brings considerable experience from the United States national team, competing in three FIBA World Cup events and an AmeriCup tournament.
Analysis
Although he’s just 19 years old, Peat is a tough, experienced forward with a strong frame that helps him finish through contact. The Arizona product can score above or below the rim and functions as a lob threat while also showing some flashes as a distributor, even if he isn’t exactly a flashy passer. His strength is another key asset, as he uses his power to back down opponents and secure rebounds.
Projection
Peat was an elite prospect coming out of high school and projects as a high-floor forward capable of contributing to winning basketball. The 6-foot-8 forward can handle the ball and has the physical tools to get to the basket, though adjusting to NBA length and athleticism will be a key step in his development. He didn’t take many three-pointers in college, so continued improvement from deep will be important. Given his strength and physicality, Peat draws comparisons to fellow Arizona product Aaron Gordon.
Career Highlights
- 2025-26 All-Big 12 Third Team and All-Freshman Team selection.
- 2026 NCAA West Regional Most Outstanding Player.
- Helped lead Arizona to a program-record 36 wins and a Final Four appearance in 2025-26.
- Earned four gold medals with USA Basketball in youth and junior national team play.
- First player to win two FIBA U17 World Cup gold medals and three youth World Cup titles overall.
Freshman (2025-26)
- Finished second on Arizona and 20th in the Big 12 in scoring (14.1 ppg).
- Ranked fourth in the conference in field goal percentage (52.8%).
- Scored 30 points against No. 3 Florida (Nov. 3), second most in an Arizona freshman debut.
- Posted 21 points in a win over No. 5 Houston in the Big 12 Tournament final (March 14).
- Recorded his first double-double, with 16 points and 12 rebounds, in a win at No. 3 UConn (Nov. 19).
Strengths
- Strong, physical forward with an NBA-ready frame.
- Effective interior scorer; finishes through contact.
- Quick first step for his size; effective in isolation matchups.
- Plays with toughness and impacts winning.
Personal
- “Koa” is Hawaiian for “strong warrior.”
- Youngest of seven children; all have played college sports.
- Father, Todd, played six NFL seasons; brother Andrus is an 11-year NFL veteran.
- Sisters, Leilani and Maya, played college basketball.
Go Figure
Peat became the second Big 12 freshman to score 30 or more points in his career debut, joining Michael Beasley (Kansas State, 2007).
Quotable
“It’s an awesome combination of a person with a huge heart and just great character, but a ferocious competitor on the court. He’s a warrior and a heat-seeking missile. This dude’s seeking contact, playing through contact.”
— Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, to The Sideline with Andy Katz
— Profile by RotoWire.com with additional info from the official NBA Draft Media Guide