Koa Peat 'fully focused' on NBA draft, not ruling out Arizona return
When asked about his impending decision, Koa Peat said that he was focused on the 2026 NBA Draft, though he did not rule out a return to the Wildcats.
CHICAGO — Because he was stationed in a hotel ballroom where media could also interview 12 other top 2026 NBA Draft prospects during a 20-minute session, Koa Peat faced waves of different reporters … and gently pushed them all back. On five occasions when asked about his impending stay-or-go decision, the Arizona freshman said only that he was currently focused on the NBA draft, though he stopped short of ruling out a return to the Wildcats next season. Projected in the middle to late portions of the first round if he stays in the NBA draft pool, Peat has one of the most impactful decisions left to be made — for the draft itself, and for Arizona's 2026-27 roster.
So it went like this: Reporter: "Have you closed the door on returning to Arizona? Is that still an option? ” Peat: "I'm fully focused on the NBA draft.
” Reporter: "Is there anything feedback-wise (from NBA executives) you would need to hear one way or another? " Peat: “Right now, I’m just focused on the NBA draft. ” After Peat went on to discuss his family, growing up in Arizona and other topics for the next five minutes, somebody else stepped up to Peat’s interview table.
Next reporter: “Are you 100% committed to the draft this year? " Peat: “Right now, I’m focused on the draft, trying to see how good I can get in this process. ” Next reporter, following up: "How much is NIL factoring into the decision?
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