AZ Wildcats Podcast
The AZ Wildcats Podcast is your daily source for the best University of Arizona sports coverage. Hosted by UA grads Kevin Thomas and Damon Fairall, the show brings you insider updates, exclusive interviews, and expert analysis on Wildcats football, basketball, recruiting news, and more. From game-day breakdowns to special guest appearances and plenty of Wildcats pride, AZ Wildcats Podcast is the ultimate podcast for Arizona fans everywhere.
Dan Wolken on Dynamic Between Tommy Lloyd and Arizona AD 👀
The Arizona Wildcats were able to retain their head coach Tommy Lloyd this past summer despite rumors of a soured relationship between himself and the athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois. Senior writer for Yahoo Sports, Dan Wolken joined Kevin Thomas to discuss how the extension was reached, what he learned about Tommy Lloyd, and how Jackson Francois really impressed with his attitude towards the situation.
Join Kevin Thomas for an audio version of the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
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JOIN THE SUP...
Will NCAA Restrictions HURT Arizona & Tommy Lloyd’s International PF Recruiting?
The Arizona Wildcats have been a hotspot for international talent since Tommy Lloyd joined as head coach, but that could be shifting soon. How will NEW NCAA eligibility restrictions affect the Wildcats and Tommy Lloyd?
PLUS! Koa Peat seems NBA bound and Lloyd spoke on Peat’s decision recently and Dan Wolken of Yahoo! joins the show!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Tommy Lloyd breaks silence on Koa Peat
8:00 - Big 12 coaching lists
25:00 - New international recru...
Does Arizona NEED Koa Peat For RETURN To Final Four In 2027?
The Arizona Wildcats are coming off of a Final Four run in 2026 and are looking to make some noise in 2027. With the incoming star-power of Caleb Holt, returning talent of Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov, could Arizona make another run deep run into spring even if star PF Koa Peat does NOT return?
PLUS! Carter Bryant goes VIRAL, LeBron represents Arizona, and MORE!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Welcome to the Pod
3:00 - LeBron in a Branded Bills
...Creator Of Hardwood Empire On Balancing School With A VIRAL Mobile App
Finn Keating is a Psychology student at Providence but some may know him as the creator of the viral mobile game Hardwood Empire. Kevin Thomas of the AZ Wildcats Podcast sat down with Keating to discuss what sparked the idea for the game, how keating balanced school with a burgeoning app, and even which games could be coming next...
Tune into an audio edition of the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
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WHILE SUNS ARE IN PLAYOFFS
Limi...
Arizona Gets INVITE To Diamond Cup Invitational Cementing BLUE BLOOD STATUS
Arizona guard Brayden Burries has the skillset to be one of the best guards in this draft class. How does Burries' skillset translate into the NBA? And where is he slated to go in the NBA draft?
PLUS! Jackson Francois makes state history, Mabil Mawut ships shoes, and Arizona MBB has entered the Diamond Cup!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
1:30 - Happy 520 Day!
7:00 - Diamond Cup invitation
30:00 - Brayden Burries mock draft update
46:00 - News and...
Koa Peat SLIPPING In Latest Mock Drafts As NBA Combine Shows IMPACT
The Arizona Wildcats have signed some players for their front court but have yet to receive an official decision from a star freshman from last season, Koa Peat has until May 27th to make his official decision as to wether or not he is entering the NBA Draft. On today’s show we breakdown the latest with his draft stock and we discuss how high Brayden Burris would go.
PLUS! Adan Diggs has officially reclassified into 2027, what does it mean for the upcoming recruiting class.
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on t...
Arizona Signs ANOTHER Transfer But Is There STILL Work To Be Done?
The Arizona Wildcats have made another off-season signing with Idaho State transfer Evan Otten. Otten was one of the Big Sky’s premier defensive players the past two seasons averaging 2 blocks per contest but can he play in the Big 12? Fans are skeptical on this signing, are they right to be or should they trust in Tommy Lloyd?
PLUS! Arizona to Lithuania, Koa Peat still being pushed back to school by the NBA, and it was a BIG weekend for Arizona softball, track and field, as well as Tennis!
Join Damon Fair...
Arizona Could Be In On ANOTHER TOP Prospect In 2027?! 👀
The Arizona Wildcats have been linked to 2027 top-25 prospect NaVorro Bowman Jr. What are Bowman’s thoughts on Arizona and what school are linked to him at this time?
PLUS! The Koa Peat draft saga continues, what’re pundits saying about Peat!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - NaVorro Bowman Jr to Arizona possible?
9:00 - Youth scouting is HARD stuff
15:00 - Bowman on Arizona + other programs
32:00 - Koa Peat speaks (kind of)
46:00 - More Pe...
Koa Peat Remains ALL IN On NBA Draft Despite RUMORS Of Return To Arizona
The Arizona Wildcats entering the NBA draft for certain are Brayden Burries, Koa Peat, and Jaden Bradley… we thought. Until recently it seemed like Koa Peat had his heart set on being an NBA player as soon as possible but after a poor shooting showing at the NBA combine, Peat has scouts and pundits thinking he should return for a sophomore season at Arizona.
PLUS! Jaden Bradley’s stock is at an all-time high this week at the NBA draft combine and more!
Join Kevin Thomas and Damon Fairall on the AZ Wil...
Brayden Burries Draft Stock SOARING At NBA Draft Combine
The Arizona Wildcats had an immensely talented roster last season and now it’s time to see where those players get drafted. Brayden Burries draft stock is surging at the NBA combine, Koa Peat is on WITHDRAWAL WATCH and Jaden Bradley is showing his skills.
PLUS! Why Koa Peat could REALLY return to Arizona next season!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Welcome into the show!
2:13 - NBA combine is fun
4:11 - Brayden Burries stock soaring high
Did Koa Peat’s Draft Stock DROP After POOR Shooting At NBA Combine
The Arizona Wildcats had a generational front court this past season. Koa Peat was a huge reason as to why the unit gelled so well. Peat is a highly touted talent but do NBA scouts think highly enough of him to draft him in the top 15? Koa Peat was invited to the NBA Draft Lottery and recently performed at the NBA combine. How did he do? Was his poor shooting performance an indicator that he might not go as high? Or does his performance at the combine just confirm what we already knew?
PLUS! Adan D...
Arizona SIGNS Nebraska Transfer Ugnius Jarusevicius In HIGH POTENTIAL Move
The Arizona Wildcats have landed Nebraska transfer Ugnius Jarusevicious. The 6’10 big man missed almost all of last season with a back injury. Jarusevicious is another Lithuanian wildcat, joining Motiejus Krivas. It seems he’s the bench big, what does that mean for the starting 4 man?
PLUS! Koa Peat and Brayden Burries spend the week in Chicago for the NBA Combine.
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Arizona adds Ugnius Jaruševičius
15:00 - Uggy's Injury woes
24:00 - Jarusevic...
Arizona SIGNS Center & Offers TWO 7-Footers With LATEST Recruiting Moves
The Arizona Wildcats and Tommy Lloyd have signed a new center prospect Endurnance Aiyamenkhue. Arizona also offered Yann Kamagate and Cherif Millogo.
What do we make of the newest Wildcat and what should fans think of the future recruits that have been offered? Will Endurance Aiymenkhue be able to make an impact year one or are we looking at a potential redshirt candidate?
PLUS! Cameron Holmes is getting some love from ESPN but mysteriously Caleb Holt is NOT?
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wil...
Should Arizona Be OUT On Devin Williams & ALL IN On PAYING Koa Peat?
The Arizona Wildcats are still missing a PF and it seemed very promising with FAU’s Devin Williams may be OUT on the Wildcats and IN ON paying Koa Peat a big check to return to Arizona. Williams had a visit to Tucson but will also take a visit to Seton Hall.
PLUS! Which Arizona football helmets are the most timeless and
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
1:30 - Devin Williams to take visit to Seton Hall
12:30 - When does worry...
Is Arizona WAITING On Transfer Devin Williams To Make His Commitment OFFICIAL?!
Are the Arizona Wildcats playing the WAITING GAME with Devin Williams? Or do the Wildcats still have a backup plan for the backup plan’s backup plan? Is Koa Peat’s potential return making thing’s hard on the Wildcats in the transfer window?
PLUS! Just how high could Jaden Bradley go in the upcoming NBA draft? and Which ICONIC Arizona Football helmets are timeless?
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Arizona WBB updates? / Phoenix Mercury grab Helena Pueyo
3:30 - Devin W...
Does Arizona Still Need To LOAD UP At PF Position If Devin Williams SIGNS With Wildcats?
The Arizona Wildcats are missing a starting Power Forward right now as Koa Peat is still entering the NBA draft at this time. FAU Transfer Devin Williams has taken a visit to Arizona. With so many connections between Williams and Arizona, is it a done deal?
PLUS! Koa Peat's BIG decision has an update?
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Devin Williams to Arizona a done deal?
18:00 - Does transfer ranking matter?
26:00 - Bryson Tiller vs Devin Wil...
Arizona Gets Visit From FAU Transfer PF Devin Williams 👀
The Arizona Wildcats are still looking to fill their front court void left by Koa Peat and Tobe Awaka’s departures. Could FAU rim protecting transfer Devin Williams be the solution? Williams is reportedly slated for a visit with Arizona and Tommy Lloyd today. How would he fit with Arizona?
PLUS! Becky Burke building something special, Jay Friend becomes a program LEGEND, and MORE!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - May the 4th or May the Force?
2:00 - Devin Willi...
What Is The BEST NBA Comparison For Arizona Star Brayden Burries?
The Arizona Wildcats will be losing the dynamic Brayden Burries to the NBA draft this summer. But once Burries gets to the NBA what will his career look like? We went to the PEOPLE to see what you all think about how Burries will play in the NBA.
PLUS! Darius Wabbington gave us an update on his recruitment and it seems he’s a strong fit for Tommy Lloyd and Arizona. And Koa Peat, Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley and Burries get invited to the NBA Combine.
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thom...
Arizona Already Has BLUEPRINT For Why Koa Peat MUST Return TO NCAA
The Arizona Wildcats still face a power forward problem as Koa Peat has yet to go through the NBA draft process but we also have yet to receive word that Arizona is deeply involved with any international bigmen. How will Tommy Lloyd solve his 4-man issue?
Despite the draft being so far away, there are already contradicting reports about what Peat and his camp will decide later this upcoming May. What are some CBB’s most connected saying about Koa Peat?
PLUS! A peek at Kevo’s WAY TOO EARLY top 25
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Is French Big Brice Dessert The ANSWER To Arizona’s PF PROBLEM?
The Arizona Wildcats have become known for their international recruiting prowess under head coach Tommy Lloyd. Could Lloyd be working on securing ANOTHER foreign big man?
College hoops analyst Fran Fraschilla recently put out a tweet that indicated Brice Dessert could be heading to a Big 12 team. It could be any team but why should it be Arizona?
PLUS! Is Koa Peat slowly deciding on Arizona?!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Dessert Puns
9:00 - Wher...
Arizona RE-SIGNS Ivan Kharhchenkov Making CRUCIAL Roster Building Move 👀
The Arizona Wildcats will now be returning two of their Final Four core pieces with Motiejus Krivas announcing his return shortly before incoming sophomore Ivan Kharchenkov announced his return.
Kharchenkov and Krivas give the Wildcats one of the best perimeter/interior defensive duos in America. Where does Arizona look now that those to roster spots are sorted?
PLUS! Arizona has offered 2027 top recruit Marcus Spears Jr. but is Sean Miller already making in-roads?
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0...
Arizona Gets DPOY & POY Candidate BACK With Motiejus Krivas RETURN
Arizona Wildcats will be returning next season with one of the best defensive players in the nation, Motiejus Krivas. Krivas announced his return this weekend in a not very shocking move.
Wildcats fans across the country rejoiced as Tommy Lloyd secures another piece of the 2026-27 puzzle. Ivan Kharchenkov has yet to announce his choice but rumor has it that he is also going to return. Just how good could the Arizona Wildcats defense be AGAIN next season?
PLUS! The NFL draft just took place and three Arizona Wildcats were selected, no...
Arizona’s Koa Peat DECLARES For NBA Draft On Declaration Day
The Arizona Wildcats saw a ton of success last season en route to a Final Four appearence for the first time in 25 years. Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas were huge pieces of that puzzle. With Koa Peat declaring for the draft and Burries likely going with him, where does that leave the Wildcats for the upcoming season. Will Kharchenkov and Krivas test the draft waters?
PLUS! Arizona WBB Head Coach Becky Burke Joins the show to discuss running her first Ironman, recruiting new players, and where her team will shine in h...
Is Arizona WAITING For “5-in-5” Rule To PASS Before Spending BIG NIL Money?
Could the new 5 in 5 rule be the reason Tommy Lloyd and the Arizona Wildcats have not gone fully into the portal with a ton of money?
Would the passing of th new rule mean the return of Tobe Awaka and Anthony Dell'Orso? We breakdown the new rule
PLUS! Erika Day joins the show to discuss the upcoming Arizona WBB roster
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
3:00 - 5 in 5 rule
15:00 - What the rule passing means for the...
Which Arizona Players Could Take A MASSIVE LEAP In 2026-27 Season? 📈
The Arizona Wildcats have been one of the best programs in the country since Tommy Lloyd took over half a decade ago. One of the huge reasons why is the ability Lloyd’s staffs have to develop pre-exisiting talent and create more impactful players. Which Arizona Wildcats can take a leap this upcoming season after a Final Four run.
PLUS! Arizona big man Mabil Mawut joins the show for a live interview and Tommy Lloyd’s contract details have come out!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcas...
Could Arizona Convince TWO MASSIVE Pieces To Return To Next Season’s Roster?
The Arizona Wildcat had one of the best seasons in program history last season. Two big reasons why were Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas. Krivas and Kharchenkov are two of the better defensive prospects in college basketball.
PLUS! With Thomas Haugh returning to Florida, is Koa Peat MORE or LESS likely to return? and could a 5th year of Tobe Awaka be the answer to the PF position at Arizona?
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - ZERO Portal news
10:00 - A...
Arizona Football's Biggest Spring Storylines Ahead of Noah Fifita's Final Season
Arizona’s spring football season is coming to an end this week with the second annual Spring Showcase this upcoming Saturday so there’s no better time to bring in the big guns (Justin Spears) to update us on all things gridiron.
After last week’s ESPN article, Noah Fifita is getting some much deserved national attention. What should we expect from the senior signal caller in 2026? And when is the Noah Fifita x Tetairoa McMillan statue happening?
PLUS, we dive into the upcoming NFL Draft and which Wildcats could see themselves drafted including the draft’...
Caleb Holt's Nike Hoops Summit Performance Was ELITE
The Arizona Wildcats are bringing in top level, "premier freshman" Caleb Holt next season. Holt recently competed in the Nike Hoops Summit where he went off against some of the best international talent in the world. Talent such as Miika Muurinen, Miles Sadler and others. Holt was teammed up with the US superteam of Holt, Tyran Stokes, Brandon McCoy, Cameron Williams and more!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas of the AZ Wildcats Podcast as they talk Holt's performance with Albert Ghim of No Ceilings NBA.
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The TOP 5 Reasons Koa Peat Should RETURN To Arizona Next Season
The Arizona Wildcats have many minutes to fill for next season’s roster after the departures of senior leaders like Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell’Orso. Not only those players but also some players may head to the draft like Brayden Burries and Koa Peat. Peat has been an assumed NBA draft pick for a while but fans are starting to think that there are good reasons for Peat to maybe return to Arizona. We discuss the top 5 reasons peat should return to Arizona.
PLUS! Albert Ghim of No Ceilings NBA joins the show...
Should Arizona Get MORE AGGRESSIVE In Transfer Portal?
The Arizona Wildcats are coming off their first Final Four appearance in 25 seasons, Tommy Lloyd’s core is going to shift with the departures of Tobe Awaka, Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries, Anthony Dell’Orso among others. What has Arizona done to replenish their roster? Secured two young transfer PGs in JJ Mandaquit of Washington and Derek Dixon of North Carolina. Is that enough for the early stage of the transfer window?
Or is Arizona falling BEHIND their elite counterparts like Illinois, Michigan, UConn and other Big 12 sides?
Kevin and Damon discuss why Ar...
Did Arizona LOSE OUT On Bryson Tiller After CANCELED Visit With Wildcats?
The Arizona Wildcats have potentially been removed from the Bryson Tiller sweepstakes. The Kansas transfer recently canceled a visit with Tommy Lloyd, Caleb Holt and Arizona. Miami and Missouri seem to be the primary reasons for why the visit is no longer taking place today.
Where could Arizona look to next for a power forward? Koa Peat, Miika Muurinen, Henri Veesaar, and more names will be discussed for the opening today and we also explore 7 other names and some international prospects that could make their way to Tucson.
PLUS! Some NIL di...
Can Arizona RETAIN Motiejus Krivas & Maintain ELITE Front Court In Transfer Portal?
The Arizona Wildcats had one of the best and strongest frontcourts in the country last season. But how will that unit look next season?
Can Arizona retain Motiejus Krivas and keep him out of the NBA draft? Can Arizona add Kansas big Bryson Tiller? Who will be the backup big without the presence of Tobe Awaka? How will Arizona supplant (or convince) Koa Peat? What is Tommy Lloyd cooking? We break it all down!
PLUS! More breakdown of Derek Dixon and JJ Mandaquit joining the Wildcats.
Join Dam...
REPORT: UNC Transfer Derek Dixon VISITS Arizona As Portal HEATS UP
The Arizona Wildcats have a few needs to address this off-season. Guard play is one of them. Derek Dixon is a North Carolina transfer that played a limited role to begin last season but become more vital to the Tar Heels’ game as the season wore on.
Dixon is a 6’5 combo guard that looks to add more positional size to an Arizona roster that will need to replace some of that next season.
Tommy Lloyd has done wonders in the transfer portal in his time at Arizona. Caleb Love, Keshad Johnson, Pelle...
Cameron Holmes REACTS To Arizona’s Final Four Run & Talks WHY He Chose Tommy Lloyd
Arizona Wildcats incoming freshman Cameron Holmes of Millennium high school stoped by the AZ Wildcats Podcast to discuss his relationship with Koa Peat, Adan Diggs, Tommy Lloyd, his recruitment to the Wildcats and MORE!
What is Holmes biggest skill? What’s his relationship with incoming star freshman Caleb Holt? Hear from Cameron Holmes on everything going on in his world right now.
Tap in with Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas of the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
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<...
Phoenix Suns Play-In Opponent STILL UNDECIDED After Trail Blazers Beat Clippers
A game was played in Los Angeles Friday night, and the Phoenix Suns came up on the short end of things against the Lakers. Phoenix was shorthanded as it was without Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Jordan Goodwin and Haywood Highmsith. Grayson Allen was later ruled out for the entirety of the second half after sustaining a hamstring injury in the first half.
With the seventh seed locked in, the Suns did not have much of anything to play for Friday, while the Lakers are still jostling for positioning in the West standings. For the Suns, t...
The BEST Bigs Arizona Can Target In Transfer Portal 👀
The Arizona Wildcats have likely lost Koa Peat to the NBA draft and Tobe Awaka to exhaustion of eligibility. Who are the Big man target for the Wildcats for next season? Could it be Bryson Tiller, Flory Bidunga, Aidan Sherrell, David Punch and more are out there in the portal.
PLUS! Arizona commit and incoming freshman Cameron Holmes joins the show for a live interview!
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Fired up Friday
3:00 - Cameron Holmes joins to tal...
Arizona’s TOP Transfer Target Bryson Tiller A LOCK For Wildcats? 👀
Kansas Transfer Bryson Tiller seems to be Arizona’s TOP target out of the transfer portal at this point. Tiller spent his freshman season at Kansas under Bill Self. After the departure of Bidunga and Tiller Kansas seems lost in the transfer portal shuffle but could it be to Tommy Lloyd’s benefit?
Bryson Tiller is rumored to have to talks with Arizona, Miami, Missouri, and Michigan. Will he end up with Arizona?
Is Bryson Tiller the PERFECT big for the Koa Peat sized hole in the lineup in Tucson?
REPORT: Louisville Emerging As FAVORITE For Arizona Target Jackson Shelstad 👀
The Arizona Wildcats have seemingly been the leader for Jackson Shelstad all off-season but it appears Shelstad maybe bound for the Cardinals and Pat Kelsey. What should Arizona’s backup plan be if they lose out on Shelstad?
Could it be Zoom Diallo, Dedan Thomas Jr., Derek Dixon, or Isaiah Johnson?
PLUS! Our TOP targets, NBA mock drafts, and the transfer portal latest.
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
0:00 - Jackson Shelstad rumored to Louisville
26:00 - Shelst...
Will Dwayne Aristode STAY At Arizona Or TRANSFER After QUIET Season With Wildcats?
The Arizona Wildcats have one of the best seasons in program history in part due to their star studded roster. With so many moving pieces this season, Dwayne Aristode was unable to garner consistent playing time. Rumors are beginning to swirl that Aristode may be the first Arizona player to enter the portal.
Will Aristode stay with or leave the Wildcats roster?
PLUS! Nik Khamenia has entered the portal and Jackson Shelstad and Flory Bidunga are BOTH visiting Louisville….together?
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the A...
Arizona’s TOP TARGET In Transfer Portal Jackson Shelstad To VISIT Tucson 👀
The Arizona Wildcats basketball season has only just ended but next season’s roster construction has already begun. Oregon transfer Jackson Shelstad is rumored to be the lead guard option in the portal for the Wildcats. Shelstad is taking visits with Arizona and Louisville.
Should Shelstad be the TOP target in the transfer portal? Who are some of the big-man targets Arizona could look toward?
PLUS! Who will be STAYING at Arizona next season?
Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
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