News Summary
The University of Arizona’s commitment to athletic excellence shines through as student-athlete Motiejus Krivas is recognized as a Mid-Season Top 10 Candidate for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. This accolade reflects his outstanding performance on the basketball court, where he averages 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The Arizona Wildcats basketball team, with an undefeated record of 22-0, showcases a culture of discipline and teamwork. Other Wildcats also receive national honors, highlighting the university’s strong development framework for student-athletes.
Phoenix, AZ — The University of Arizona continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to athletic and academic excellence, with its student-athletes achieving national recognition. Recently, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Wildcat center Motiejus Krivas has been named to the Mid-Season Top 10 Candidates for the 2026 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. This prestigious honor highlights Krivas’s exceptional performance and dedication on the court, underscoring the University’s success in nurturing top-tier talent in collegiate basketball.
This recognition for Krivas is a testament to the robust programs and developmental environment fostered within Arizona’s higher education system. It reflects not only individual skill and hard work but also the collective discipline and leadership cultivated through rigorous athletic and academic pursuits at institutions like the University of Arizona. Such achievements elevate the profile of Arizona AZ higher education and inspire students across the state to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
Wildcat Excellence: Krivas’s Journey to National Acclaim
Motiejus Krivas, a 7-foot-2 junior center from Siauliai, Lithuania, has steadily emerged as a dominant force in collegiate basketball since joining the Wildcats for the 2023-24 season. His inclusion on the Mid-Season Top 10 list for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, an honor celebrating the nation’s top men’s collegiate center, recognizes his significant impact this season.
Krivas’s performance has been a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ success, averaging 11.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. This consistent output showcases his dedication to mastering his craft and contributing substantially to his team’s efforts. The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, established in 2015, acknowledges centers who demonstrate excellence in scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking, leadership, and overall impact—qualities Krivas embodies on the court.
A Team United: The Wildcats’ Undefeated Run
The individual accolades for Krivas arrive amidst a period of remarkable success for the University of Arizona Wildcats basketball team. The squad boasts an impressive 22-0 overall record, including a perfect 9-0 record in the Big 12 Conference. This undefeated streak reflects a culture of discipline, strategic play, and strong teamwork, positioning the Wildcats as the No. 1 ranked team in the AP Poll. The team’s performance highlights the synergistic relationship between individual talent and collective effort, demonstrating how focused dedication can lead to outstanding results and contribute positively to the competitive spirit of Phoenix AZ college news.
Broader Recognition for Arizona Student-Athletes
Krivas is not the only Wildcat receiving national attention for his exceptional contributions. The University of Arizona’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes is evident in several other key recognitions:
- Jaden Bradley, the Wildcats’ point guard, was also named to the Bob Cousy Award Mid-Season Watch List. This award honors the nation’s top men’s collegiate point guard, recognizing leadership and playmaking. Bradley’s inclusion, despite not being on the preseason watch list, underscores his growth and impact on the team’s commanding record.
- Freshman guard Brayden Burries swept the Big 12 Weekly Honors for the week ending February 1. Burries is averaging 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
- Forward Koa Peat was previously named to the Karl Malone Award Preseason Watch List in October 2025. This award celebrates the top men’s collegiate power forward, recognizing exceptional performance in scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills.
These multiple recognitions across different positions speak to the comprehensive development framework at the University of Arizona, preparing student-athletes not just for athletic achievement but also for future leadership roles.
Leadership Beyond the Court: Coaching Excellence
The success of the University of Arizona’s basketball program extends to its leadership. Head Coach Tommy Lloyd was recognized as the USA Basketball Junior Coach of the Year in January 2026. This award acknowledges his profound influence on young talent development and strategic guidance, further solidifying the University’s reputation as a hub for athletic excellence and responsible leadership. Effective coaching emphasizes discipline and personal responsibility, fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive and reach their full potential.
Cultivating Leaders and Community Impact
The achievements of student-athletes like Motiejus Krivas, Jaden Bradley, and Koa Peat, along with the guidance of Coach Tommy Lloyd, reflect a broader narrative within Arizona’s higher education. These accomplishments extend beyond individual statistics and team victories; they embody the values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication that are crucial for building leaders. The University of Arizona, as a cornerstone of Arizona AZ higher education, is not merely producing skilled athletes but also fostering individuals who contribute to their communities through their disciplined approach and inspiring successes. This culture of excellence enhances the University’s standing and contributes positively to the overall vibrancy and economic impact of the region.
Here is a summary of the key achievements and statistics:
| Athlete/Team | Achievement/Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Motiejus Krivas | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Mid-Season Top 10 | Averaging 11.0 points, 8.3 rebounds per game. Top center recognition. |
| Arizona Wildcats Men’s Basketball Team | Overall Record | 22-0 (No. 1 in AP Poll). |
| Arizona Wildcats Men’s Basketball Team | Conference Record | 9-0 in Big 12. |
| Jaden Bradley | Bob Cousy Award Mid-Season Watch List | Recognized as a top men’s collegiate point guard. |
| Brayden Burries | Big 12 Weekly Honors | Swept honors for the week ending Feb 1. Averaging 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists. |
| Koa Peat | Karl Malone Award Preseason Watch List | Named to list in Oct 2025 as a top power forward. |
| Tommy Lloyd (Head Coach) | USA Basketball Junior Coach of the Year | Awarded in Jan 2026 for impact on young talent. |
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
The remarkable achievements of the University of Arizona’s men’s basketball team and its individual stars serve as a beacon of what dedicated effort and institutional support can accomplish. As the season progresses, the focus remains on maintaining this momentum, both on the court and in the broader context of student development. These successes not only bring prestige to the University of Arizona AZ but also inspire future generations of students and athletes. Readers are encouraged to continue following the exciting journey of these student-athletes and explore the many programs that contribute to the vibrant and growing higher education landscape in Phoenix and across Arizona.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award?
A: The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award is an annual basketball award given by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to the top men’s collegiate center, recognizing excellence in scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking, leadership, and overall impact on the game.
Q: What are Motiejus Krivas’s current statistics?
A: Motiejus Krivas is currently averaging 11.0 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Q: What is the University of Arizona men’s basketball team’s record?
A: The University of Arizona men’s basketball team has an overall record of 22-0 and a 9-0 record in the Big 12 Conference.
Q: Which other Arizona Wildcats players have received national recognition?
A: Jaden Bradley was named to the Bob Cousy Award Mid-Season Watch List for top point guards, Brayden Burries swept Big 12 Weekly Honors, and Koa Peat was named to the Karl Malone Award Preseason Watch List for top power forwards.
Q: Has the University of Arizona’s head coach received any recent awards?
A: Yes, Head Coach Tommy Lloyd was named the USA Basketball Junior Coach of the Year in January 2026.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
