NBA analysts fuel speculation on Koa Peat return to Arizona

NBA analysts fuel speculation on Koa Peat return to Arizona originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Days following the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, there have been analysts around the NBA suggesting that we could see Koa Peat return for another season at Arizona. There were some notable concerns following his performance at the combine that left many wondering if a return to school would be a better option.

Peat participated in the following drills at the combine and these were his rankings:

• No Step Vert (1st)
• ¾ Court Sprint (3rd)
• Max Vert (9th)
• Pro Lane (11th)
• Free Throws (15th, 7/10)
• Side/Mid/Side (21st, 10/25)
• Off Dribble (22nd, 10/25)
• 3PT (T-Last 25th, 6/25)
• Spot Up (Last 26th, 6/25)
• Shuttle (Last, 31st)

Following his combine stats, he has a draft projection 21.77 which is the consensus among the nine major media outlets with mock drafts.

Koa Peat Draft Projections:

• The Sporting News: 18
• Yahoo: 26
• ESPN: 24
• Bleacher Report: 27
• CBS Sports: 14/20
• Sports Illustrated: 24
• USA TODAY: 13

What analysts are saying

Peat was a top-10 recruit out of high school before his freshman season with the Arizona Wildcats. As a true freshman, he started all 36 games, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He shot 52.8% from the field and an even 35% from deep.