The 2024-25 college basketball season may not have ended the way Arizona Wildcats fans hoped, but the program still earned national recognition with a No. 15 finish in the Associated Press postseason Top 25 poll. The final ranking reflects a season filled with memorable highs, frustrating lows, and plenty of promise for the future.
Under head coach Tommy Lloyd, who just completed his third year at the helm, the Wildcats continued to build on the foundation of excellence that has long defined the Arizona basketball program. While the team fell short of a deep NCAA Tournament run, their overall performance throughout the season solidified their place among the elite programs in college basketball, as evidenced by their final ranking.
Arizona entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations. Coming off back-to-back Pac-12 championships and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, Lloyd had established himself as one of the brightest coaching minds in the country. He once again assembled a roster that blended veteran leadership with young talent, bolstered by international flair and skill.
The Wildcats opened the season with a series of strong non-conference performances that helped them climb the early polls. Signature wins over top-ranked opponents such as Duke and Baylor proved that Arizona could compete at the highest level. The team’s early success was fueled by its up-tempo offense, aggressive defense, and a deep bench that allowed Lloyd to rotate players freely and keep his roster fresh.
Sophomore guard Kylan Boswell emerged as a true floor general, orchestrating the offense with maturity beyond his years. Boswell’s ability to distribute, shoot from distance, and lock down opposing guards made him one of the most complete point guards in the country. His leadership on and off the floor was pivotal throughout the season.
In the frontcourt, junior forward Keshad Johnson, a transfer from San Diego State, brought athleticism and intensity. Johnson’s rebounding prowess and defensive versatility gave Arizona a consistent presence in the paint, while his ability to finish at the rim provided highlight-reel moments that energized both teammates and fans. Alongside him, Oumar Ballo returned for his senior season and continued to anchor the team defensively while adding more polish to his offensive game.
Arizona’s international recruits also played a vital role. Motiejus Krivas, the 7-footer from Lithuania, showed flashes of brilliance and gave Arizona size and rim protection that few opponents could match. Spanish guard Conrad Martinez, though a freshman, contributed meaningful minutes and showed glimpses of his potential as a future star in Tucson.
The Wildcats’ dominance was most evident during Pac-12 play, where they spent a significant portion of the season near the top of the standings. They secured marquee wins over rivals UCLA and USC, further asserting their control over the conference. Their ability to perform consistently at home, inside the raucous McKale Center, helped establish a fortress-like advantage. Arizona went undefeated on its home court for most of the season, a testament to the passion of its fanbase and the preparation of its coaching staff.
However, the season wasn’t without its bumps. A few close losses on the road, including a surprising upset to a struggling Oregon State team, exposed some vulnerabilities in the Wildcats’ approach. In some contests, turnovers and defensive lapses proved costly. While Arizona could run up the score with ease against mid-tier teams, they occasionally struggled to close out tight games against elite competition.
Still, Arizona finished the regular season as one of the top teams in the Pac-12 and earned a favorable seed in the NCAA Tournament. Expectations were high as the Wildcats entered March Madness. Pundits pointed to their depth, balance, and experience as key factors that could propel them to a Final Four appearance.
Their tournament run began with a convincing win in the opening round, with Boswell and Johnson leading the charge. The Wildcats executed their game plan to near perfection, stifling their opponent defensively while capitalizing on transition opportunities. The victory reignited hopes of a deep run and showcased why Arizona had been a top-10 team for much of the season.
But in the second round, Arizona encountered a red-hot mid-major team that refused to back down. Despite leading for much of the game, the Wildcats faltered in the final minutes. Costly turnovers and missed free throws allowed their opponent to storm back and steal a victory in the closing seconds. It was a stunning and abrupt end to what had been a promising season.
The disappointment of an early exit was palpable. Players and coaches expressed frustration but also gratitude for the journey they had shared. Coach Lloyd emphasized the progress the team had made and reminded everyone that setbacks are often stepping stones to future success.
National voters took notice of Arizona’s body of work, choosing to reward the team with a No. 15 spot in the final AP poll. It marked the third consecutive season that the Wildcats finished inside the top 20 under Lloyd’s leadership. While the ranking may not have been what fans envisioned at the start of the year, it still signaled sustained excellence and a program trending in the right direction.
Recruiting remains a strength for the Wildcats, and their outlook for the 2025-26 season is already generating buzz. Arizona has secured commitments from several high-profile prospects, including five-star wing Noah Smith from Las Vegas and top-30 guard Jalen Monroe out of Houston. These additions, combined with the potential return of key contributors like Boswell and Krivas, suggest that the Wildcats will again be a force to be reckoned with.
Perhaps even more intriguing is Arizona’s transition to the Big 12 Conference, set to begin next season. With the Pac-12 undergoing massive realignment, Arizona’s move to the Big 12 will present new challenges and rivalries. Programs like Kansas, Baylor, and Houston will offer stiffer competition, but also opportunities for greater exposure and enhanced recruiting.
Lloyd has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt and thrive in the new environment. He believes that Arizona’s style of play, rooted in pace, ball movement, and defensive intensity, will match up well against Big 12 opponents. The move could also rejuvenate the fanbase, who will now have fresh matchups and new destinations to look forward to.
Looking ahead, the biggest question surrounding Arizona will be how they respond to adversity. The early tournament exit was a sobering reminder that talent alone isn’t enough to win in March. The Wildcats will need to develop a killer instinct in high-pressure situations, an area where experience and mental toughness will be crucial.
The offseason will also be pivotal for individual player development. Boswell is expected to test the NBA Draft waters but could return to improve his stock. Krivas will likely spend the summer adding strength and refining his post moves. The incoming freshmen will need to acclimate quickly and buy into the culture that Lloyd has cultivated.
As for Lloyd himself, he continues to win over Arizona fans with his authenticity, humility, and commitment to the program. In just three seasons, he has amassed over 80 wins and three top-20 finishes, all while navigating a changing college basketball landscape that includes the transfer portal, NIL deals, and conference realignment. His ability to recruit internationally and develop talent has positioned Arizona as one of the most well-rounded programs in the country.
While the 2024-25 season may be remembered for what could have been, it also highlighted what Arizona continues to represent: a powerhouse program with elite coaching, passionate support, and a commitment to excellence. The No. 15 ranking in the final AP poll is a reflection of that identity—respected, consistent, and always in the national conversation.
As the Wildcats turn the page and look to the future, there’s no shortage of optimism in Tucson. The ingredients for a championship-caliber team are in place. With a talented core, incoming reinforcements, and the challenge of a new conference awaiting, Arizona is poised to continue its pursuit of college basketball glory.