Arizona Wildcats' veterans encouraged by wave of newcomers for 2025-26

Arizona wing Anthony Dell’Orso says he’s put 25 pounds on a 6-6 frame that was listed at 190 last season, while fellow senior Jaden Bradley already has 200 on his 6-3 body.

That’s probably a good idea. They need to keep up with the new kids, after all.

Among those arriving for workouts this summer at McKale Center and the Richard Jefferson Gym include 6-8, 235-pound forward Koa Peat, 6-6, 220-pound forward Ivan Kharchenkov, and 6-4, 200-pound guard Brayden Burries.

Freshmen, all. In an academic sense, if not in a physical sense.

“I don’t know what they’re feeding these guys nowadays, but they’re coming in bigger, stronger,” Bradley said. “Some of them haven’t even touched the weights in high school, but all of these guys, even the newcomers from overseas, I’m excited to play with and see their full potential.”

With Arizona’s midsummer practices having begun this week, Bradley and Dell’Orso already have worked with several of the incoming freshmen, though Kharchenkov didn’t arrive until Wednesday evening, and Sudanese forward Sidi Gueye remains overseas because of visa issues.

During a news conference this week at McKale Center, Bradley and Dell’Orso discussed some of what they have seen in the 2025-26 Wildcats so far:

On Peat, who helped lead a USA team coached by UA’s Tommy Lloyd to a gold medal in the FIBA U19 World Cup earlier this month in Switzerland:

Bradley: “I actually tuned in to some of the games when we were on break. Koa was dominating over there with the best of the best. I don’t expect anything less from Koa. I asked him about the trip. He liked it but he said it was a long trip for sure. I was excited for him, coach Lloyd, and the rest of the guys that were on the staff to get the gold.

“He’s always in the gym. Hats off to him. He always wants to get better. Very strong, physical guy. He’s had some crazy dunks already. He’s athletic on the defensive end. Big presence. I’m excited to see what he can really do when we really get up and down versus other opponents.”

On Burries, who is expected to start alongside Bradley in the backcourt:

Bradley: “First of all, it’s just learning who he is off the court, building that connection so it’s genuine and it’s the player he is — a physical, fast guard, can shoot it, get downhill, very athletic. So it’s just learning his game, getting in the gym with him.

“He’s definitely going to be a vital piece for us. I’m excited to see what he can bring to the table and there’s things I can learn from him, too.”

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On Bryce James, the son of LeBron James who is expected to be a developmental player as a freshman:

Bradley: “Great kid. Really, once you get to meet him, I mean, he’s got all these lights and eyes on him, but he’s just a normal kid. He wants to have fun, learn the game, play the game. Just a nice person.”

On Dwayne Aristode, a five-star wing from the Netherlands whose profile dipped slightly when he sat out his senior season at Brewster Academy of New Hampshire because of a leg injury:

Dell’Orso: “He’s a great player. I mean, this ranking system is a pretty big deal in America, and he obviously got those for a reason. He earned them. He’s just as good as anyone can be, and there’s always growing pains with new arrivals, and you’ve just got to trust that the coaches have the right path.

“It’ll be exciting to see once the coaches really get a hold of them and (strength coach Chris) Rounds, and they really get inside the program, we can actually see what they can really do for Arizona.”

On redshirt sophomore Motiejus Krivas, who has returned fully after missing most of last season with a leg/ankle injury:

Bradley: “Krivas is a warrior. You know, that injury is not easy, not playing, but he’s been doing a great job with J-Rock (trainer Justin Kokoskie) and other people he’s working with, doing his treatment. We saw him back on the court and he’s looking like he never skipped a step. Dominant. We’re excited for him to get a full season with us.”

On new UA assistant coach Brandon Chappell, who replaced the retired Steve Robinson last spring:

Bradley: “A great guy to have around. We can definitely feel his energy when he’s there. When some of the coaches were away with the USA Basketball stuff, I was really able to get in the gym with him and see what he’s all about. I like the energy he brings and the stuff he does in his workout. I’m excited what he brings to the team.”

On how the UA veterans can help the newcomers:

Dell’Orso: “There’s always growing pains with anyone. Doesn’t matter how good you are. That’s where we kind of come in as guys that have been in the program. I can give my two cents on what I went through and things that I’m seeing. Maybe with ways that coach explains it, I can find a way to say it a different way that may get through to them.

“I think it just comes down to the four of us who did come back really using our experience to kind of help them. They’re also eager to learn and, that’s the No. 1 thing — you have to be willing to be coachable. And these guys ae great at that. They’re willing to take information like there’s no tomorrow. So it’s promising signs. They’re obviously off to a good start.”