Lithuanian big man Motiejus Krivas has committed to Arizona, bolstering the Wildcats' front court with one of the top center prospects in Europe.
Arizona confirmed Krivas' signing, after ESPN reported he committed to the Wildcats on Tuesday morning.
A 7-2 center, Krivas "is considered one of the most promising European prospects committing to the college route in the class of 2023" according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, who also wrote that Krivas "stood out with his excellent skill level and competitiveness at the Basketball Without Borders camp in Salt Lake City" in February.
Krivas helped lead Zalgiris' top second-division club to the Lithuanian second division championship last season, averaging 13.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Former UA guard Kerr Kriiisa played for Zalgiris' junior club before joining the Wildcats in 2020-21, and briefly for its senior club.
"Motiej is an exceptional player and person, and we are delighted to have him join our program," said Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, according to a 247 Sports story. "He is a talented, tall player who can play well around the basket, has good court vision and can help the team defensively. He comes from one of the best young basketball training organizations in Europe, which he helped win the NKL championship."
Of the Wildcats' nine expected players on hand as of now for the 2023-24 season, four are international players: Pelle Larsson, Oumar Ballo, Henri Veesaar and Filip Borovicanin. Lithuanian forward Azuolas Tubelis has entered the NBA Draft pool and is not expected to return to the Wildcats.
Krivas told ESPN that Lloyd's track record with international players is one reason why he committed to the Wildcats.
"I like the fact that the team is full of international players," Krivas said. "It will definitely make my transition on and off the court much faster. It wasn't an easy decision, but after weighing the pros and cons, I concluded that going there was the best possible decision at the moment and for my career going forward."
UA's 2023-24 roster as of now:
Number Player Yr. Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Hometown (previous team)
1 Filip Borovicanin So. F 6-9 185 Belgrade, Serbia (KK Beko)
3 Pelle Larsson Sr.. G 6-5 215 Nacka, Sweden (Utah)
4 Kylan Boswell So. G 6-2 195 Champaign, Ill. (AZ Compass Prep)
11 Oumar Ballo R-Sr. C 7-0 260 Koulikoro, Mali (Gonzaga)
13 Henri Veesaar So. F 6-10 200 Tallin, Estonia (Real Madrid 2)
44 Dylan Anderson So. F 7-0 235 Gilbert (Perry HS)
TBA KJ Lewis Fr. G 6-4 185 El Paso (Duncanville, Texas, HS)
TBA Jaden Bradley So. G 6-3 185 Rochester, N.Y. (North Carolina)
TBA Motiejus Krivas Fr. C 7-2 256 Kaunas, Lithuania (Zalgiris 2)
Walk-ons
15 Grant Weitman* Sr.. G 6-4 205 Tucson (Salpointe HS)
24 Luke Champion* R-Jr. F 6-8 205 Suwanee, Ga. (Missouri Western State)
33 Will Menaugh* Jr. F 6-10 245 Tucson (Catalina Foothills HS)
42 Luc Krystkowiak* R-Jr. G 6-4 195 Salt Lake City, Utah (Irvine Valley College)
