Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat will remain in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to ESPN. The 19-year-old freshman, who stands 6-foot-8, is currently projected as a first-round selection, appearing at No. 27 in recent mock drafts. Peat previously competed for Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, where he established himself as a top-10 recruit in the 2025 class.
Koa Peat’s Collegiate Performance
During his freshman season at Arizona, Peat played 36 games and averaged 27.8 minutes per contest. According to Tankathon, he recorded 14.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 52.8% from the field. His statistical profile highlights his efficiency as a scorer, supported by a 55.7% true shooting percentage.
Peat’s game log demonstrates consistent production against high-level competition. He logged significant minutes in matchups against programs such as UConn, where he played 37 minutes, and Arizona State, where he contributed 24 points in 35 minutes of action. Throughout the season, he maintained a 1.60 assist-to-turnover ratio, reflecting his role within the Wildcats’ rotation.
Draft Profile and Physical Measurements
Scouts and front offices evaluate Peat based on his physical tools and athletic testing conducted during the pre-draft process. Per Tankathon, Peat measured with a 6-foot-11.25-inch wingspan and an 8-foot-8-inch standing reach. His athletic testing results included a 37.5-inch max vertical leap and a lane agility time of 11.0 seconds.
These measurements, combined with his 245-pound frame, position him as a versatile power forward prospect. While he is primarily utilized as an interior scorer, his advanced metrics show a 35.0% success rate on three-point attempts, albeit on low volume (0.2-0.6 attempts per game). His defensive impact is noted through his 100.7 defensive rating and his ability to contribute 0.7 blocks per game.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft
As the draft approaches, Peat remains a focal point for teams seeking frontcourt depth. His transition from a highly touted high school recruit to a productive freshman at Arizona has solidified his standing among draft evaluators. With his decision to stay in the draft pool, he moves forward to formal team interviews and workouts.
The 2026 draft class continues to be assessed by scouts looking for players who can contribute immediately. Peat’s combination of collegiate experience, physical measurements, and proven efficiency in the Pac-12 landscape provides a clear baseline for his potential professional trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Koa Peat’s position? Peat is a power forward.
- How tall is Koa Peat? He measures 6-foot-8.25 inches without shoes.
- Where did Koa Peat play high school basketball? He played at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona.
- What was his scoring average at Arizona? He averaged 14.1 points per game during his freshman season.