No, the Final Four game is not over, but it is over.
Time to move on to the off-season!
I am not even mad because we finally ended the drought and made it to a Final Four.
Now we are here!
This is your list for the 2026-27 transfer portal free agents.
If you see them, add them and we can keep this thread updated as we go!
Targets
Derek Dixon (North Carolina) - Arizona
JJ Mandaquit (Washington) - Arizona
PORTAL SEASON OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY
(https://media1.tenor.com/m/If6TUZTxexUAAAAC/donnie-darko-transfer-portal.gif)
I will say this though.
I am not sure who is going to come back next season.
I have a list of prospects that I would not mind to see at or back at Arizona next season:
C - Flory Budinga (Kansas)
G - Miles Byrd (San Diego State)
G - Isaiah Johnson (Colorado)
F - Paulius Muruaskas (Arizona - St.Mary's)
Plot twist: Byrd and I are from the same city.
I knew who he was coming out, but I did not know he was as good as he was, nor did I believe he would be as highly sought after in the portal.
Most of these dudes are like top 10 portal free agents.
I expect them to go to the highest bidder.
I know Lloyd does not usually go for the best overall, but team fit.
This is going to be a very interesting off-season with the buzz/hype coming off of a Final Four run.
#BearDown
Couple of guards that I wouldn't mind seeing as well.
Bishop Boswell(Tennessee): tough guard
John Blackwell(Wisconsin): really good scorer
Arcadian Lewis(Villanova): floor general
Zoom Diallo(Washington): scorer
Jasper Johnson(Kentucky): combo guard
Juke Harris(wake forest): combo guard
As for the rest of the positions
F Bryson Tiller(Kansas)
C Bidunga(Kansas)
I LOVE Blackwell but with Holt coming in, I doubt Lloyd pursues a SG (unless Kharchenkov AND Aristode both somehow leave).
I didn't know that Tiller entered the portal. He continually improved as the season progressed. Not only did he bulk up, his outside shot developed and he's a threat from anywhere on the court. With Lloyd's defensive coaching, Bryson would be a perfect fit to replace Koa. Bidunga would be a bonus...although I don't know if we can realistically pay him because he'll be the #1 overall transfer prospect.
At PG, I personally like Dedan Thomas (LSU), Braeden Smith (Gonzaga) and Derek Dixon (UNC). Isaiah Johnson (CU) could "convert" into a true PG and play like Caleb Love, while being a more efficient shooter.
Intrigued to see the final list because we have a lot of holes to fill.
Oregon's PG is in the portal. Focusing on Louisville and Arizona.
Good chance we get him. With Holt and him together would be a very good backcourt.
As for Artistode, I am not sure he his happy enough to stay, or good enough to break through next year.
The key is the two foreigners and what they do as far as possibly coming back. Ivan and Krivas.
I like the big from Kansas who is entering the portal to fill Awaka's role. Budunga?
Lots of options and likely more coming.
I could see Krivas, Karchenkov, James, Holt, starting with a PG from the portal. The Dick would be idea.
I don't see Bryce starting next year unless he makes a humongous leap. Definitely seeing him as a rotation player because he can shoot the shit out of the ball. Just needs to work on sliding his feet and ball handling.
I see if they stay.
Transfer PG (possibly Shelstad, he is a bucket and can shoot. All our battles with him he definitely applied a ton of pressure on us.)
SG Holt
SF Ivan
PF transfer
C Krivas
6th Backup transfer PG
7th Bidunga C (hoping)
8th Cam Holmes SF/SG
9th Bryce SG
Now if DA comes back. Ivan can slide to the 4. We can run a 4 out 1 in as we did with Ballo for Krivas. Or we don't elect to get 2 transfer PGs and let Holt rotate in to play guard and let Bryce and Holmes get some burn at the 2. Definitely have a ton of options. I really don't want to see DA leave because he has a ton of upside. More than Carter Bryant imo
Quote from: LouieGTheThird on April 06, 2026, 09:06:30 PMI don't see Bryce starting next year unless he makes a humongous leap. Definitely seeing him as a rotation player because he can shoot the shit out of the ball. Just needs to work on sliding his feet and ball handling.
I see if they stay.
Transfer PG (possibly Shelstad, he is a bucket and can shoot. All our battles with him he definitely applied a ton of pressure on us.)
SG Holt
SF Ivan
PF transfer
C Krivas
6th Backup transfer PG
7th Bidunga C (hoping)
8th Cam Holmes SF/SG
9th Bryce SG
Now if DA comes back. Ivan can slide to the 4. We can run a 4 out 1 in as we did with Ballo for Krivas. Or we don't elect to get 2 transfer PGs and let Holt rotate in to play guard and let Bryce and Holmes get some burn at the 2. Definitely have a ton of options. I really don't want to see DA leave because he has a ton of upside. More than Carter Bryant imo
Bidunga is not transferring to come of the bench anywhere in the country, not to mention who's going to pay $5M ,which is what his asking price is according to some,for him to come off the bench!
Quote from: Az_catfan on April 07, 2026, 01:28:09 PMQuote from: LouieGTheThird on April 06, 2026, 09:06:30 PMI don't see Bryce starting next year unless he makes a humongous leap. Definitely seeing him as a rotation player because he can shoot the shit out of the ball. Just needs to work on sliding his feet and ball handling.
I see if they stay.
Transfer PG (possibly Shelstad, he is a bucket and can shoot. All our battles with him he definitely applied a ton of pressure on us.)
SG Holt
SF Ivan
PF transfer
C Krivas
6th Backup transfer PG
7th Bidunga C (hoping)
8th Cam Holmes SF/SG
9th Bryce SG
Now if DA comes back. Ivan can slide to the 4. We can run a 4 out 1 in as we did with Ballo for Krivas. Or we don't elect to get 2 transfer PGs and let Holt rotate in to play guard and let Bryce and Holmes get some burn at the 2. Definitely have a ton of options. I really don't want to see DA leave because he has a ton of upside. More than Carter Bryant imo
Bidunga is not transferring to come of the bench anywhere in the country, not to mention who's going to pay $5M ,which is what his asking price is according to some,for him to come off the bench!
That's why I said hoping. If someone were to tell us that Awaka would be coming off the bench the type of player he is. We would scoff at that. There's a world where that is possible. Is it the most likely? Probably not.
If we somehow land Bidunga, it would imply that Krivas entered the draft.
I'm still a huge fan of Tiller. He would be an amazing PF candidate.
Holt would backfill Burries' role of combo guard, who typically plays SG. Holmes, Kharchenkov and Aristode would all rotate between the 2/3/4 positions.
PG and backup Center are obviously the glaring needs, assuming Krivas returns and Gueye is still not ready for major PT (hopefully, he is)
I am not 100% sure who I would want if I got to handpick from the list.
The issue I am having is not knowing who is going to transfer out of Arizona.
I believe Lloyd's biggest recruiting win would be getting all three of Aristode/Kharchenkov/Krivas to return to Arizona assuming the latter two do not enter the NBA Draft.
Get a starting PG.
Get a starting PF.
Get a shooter off the bench.
Get a backup big.
The wildcard for me here is Gueye/James.
If both of them are able to develop enough to warrant playing time?
Lloyd could (and should) use the money for the backup shooter/big roles to get a better tier starting PG/PF to try to repeat the Big 12 sweep next season.
Here is to hoping Arizona's Final Four run is going to hold some weight when Arizona comes calling.
#BearDown
Krivas and Ivan would be the biggest wins!
James looks to have improved enough to rotate in at a minimum. Holt should be ready right away. Who plays PG? That will come from the portal.
Back up C/PF? Someone with some strength please.
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/78212/arizona-wildcats-mens-roster-movement-offseason-tracker-eligibility-nba-draft-ncaa-transfer-portal-updates-2026
Quote from: Little George on April 07, 2026, 04:46:11 PMKrivas and Ivan would be the biggest wins!
James looks to have improved enough to rotate in at a minimum. Holt should be ready right away. Who plays PG? That will come from the portal.
Back up C/PF? Someone with some strength please.
https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/78212/arizona-wildcats-mens-roster-movement-offseason-tracker-eligibility-nba-draft-ncaa-transfer-portal-updates-2026
I agree with everyone. The biggest win would be retaining & just adding one player. If we returned everyone our roster would be set. Just need a point guard. A dog. DA is the biggest question mark. I think Ivan comes backs Krivas is getting the last 3 picks in the first round. So, it's first round money, is it guaranteed he'll be first round? It's on the border. Hopefully he sees that he can be lottery by coming back. Maybe even top 10 depending the type of season he has.
Most important position for me is pg.
I like the following that I know
Jackson shelstad
Zoom diallo
Dedan thomas
Isaiah Johnson
Those are 4 there that are really good.
I hope Lloyd brings in some athletic players as well hopefully a athletic 4 would be nice.
UConn freshman Eric Reibe enters transfer portal...
Tommy should go get the big man.
Reibe started the season strong, while Reed was injured. He wasn't himself, after taking a backseat to the deserved starter.
He plays Lloyd's style of basketball and would become a spitting image of Veesaar. Hopefully the staff can make that happen.
Quote from: KansasCityCats on April 10, 2026, 02:42:49 PMReibe started the season strong, while Reed was injured. He wasn't himself, after taking a backseat to the deserved starter.
He plays Lloyd's style of basketball and would become a spitting image of Veesaar. Hopefully the staff can make that happen.
Maybe not a spitting image, but a 260lb version of HankyV perhaps... Which could be absolutely dominant if paired with Mo Krivas in this Transitional Season coming up as our Front Court having at least 1 big man being finally Allowed to "Step Out".
Perhaps this is why Sidi is flying the coop.
Has anyone even been on a visit to Arizona yet?
I know Shelstad was supposed to come, but he never made it after his Louisvills visit.
Let this be a lesson that if you REALLY want the prospect?
You make sure you are the first and ONLY visit they go on!
#BearDown
Dixon is in town right now
Quote from: Little George on April 11, 2026, 06:40:17 PMDixon is in town right now
The shooter from North Carolina?
Well, that would answer the Dell'Orso replacement.
What about the starting PG/PF spots though sheesh?
At this point, go and get Tiller from Kansas to fill Peat's role.
As for PG, I don't know, but I know I don't want Diallo.
I prefer Lloyd go out and get more of a true PG that can make good decisions with the ball.
I hoped he would have brought in Byrd and just went all-in on length and versatility.
#BearDown
So since the portal has opened, a lot of the names that we have talked about here has already committed.
G - Byrd: San Diego State - Providence
G - Johnson: Colorado - Texas
G - Shelstad: Oregon - Louisville
With that news, here is an updated short list that I would want to see Lloyd reach out to:
F - Diop: Arizona State
F - Khamenia: Duke
G - Lewis: Villanova
F - Murauskas: Arizona/Saint Mary's
C - Thiam: Cincinnati
F - Tiller: Kansas
I really want Lloyd to bring back Murauskas.
He was a member of my Reed All-Favorite team when he was here.
He went to Saint Mary's and did exactly what I believe he could have done here at Arizona.
I would not mind Khamenia coming to Arizona either.
I want this roster to get bigger, better perimeter shooting, and I am willing to sacrifice some athleticism to do so.
#BearDown
Quote from: mvpreed2 on April 12, 2026, 01:05:06 PMSo since the portal has opened, a lot of the names that we have talked about here has already committed.
G - Byrd: San Diego State - Providence
G - Johnson: Colorado - Texas
G - Shelstad: Oregon - Louisville
With that news, here is an updated short list that I would want to see Lloyd reach out to:
F - Diop: Arizona State
F - Khamenia: Duke
G - Lewis: Villanova
F - Murauskas: Arizona/Saint Mary's
C - Thiam: Cincinnati
F - Tiller: Kansas
I really want Lloyd to bring back Murauskas.
He was a member of my Reed All-Favorite team when he was here.
He went to Saint Mary's and did exactly what I believe he could have done here at Arizona.
I would not mind Khamenia coming to Arizona either.
I want this roster to get bigger, better perimeter shooting, and I am willing to sacrifice some athleticism to do so.
#BearDown
We have room to bring in 5 or 6 from the portal if we can get some good ones.
I like both those suggestions for sure. I also really like the PG from Santa Clara. He isn't the big name, but neither was McConnell when he came in. Blue collar guy.
I also like Tiller a lot! We will need multiple bigs/Forwards either way.
Now if we could get Peat back with Ivan and Krivas? Wow
Quote from: Little George on April 12, 2026, 03:28:06 PMWe have room to bring in 5 or 6 from the portal if we can get some good ones.
I like both those suggestions for sure. I also really like the PG from Santa Clara. He isn't the big name, but neither was McConnell when he came in. Blue collar guy.
I also like Tiller a lot! We will need multiple bigs/Forwards either way.
Now if we could get Peat back with Ivan and Krivas? Wow
The problem I worry about with this roster right now?
Lloyd is on the clock, and he is not making any moves.
Awaka/Bradley/Dell'Orso are gone, and you
HAVE to replace them.
The portal has been open for almost a week, and Arizona had one visit for a Dell'Orso replacement.
No Bradley replacement, and no Awaka replacement at the time of this post.
I already know that Lloyd is going to give Burries/Kharchenkov/Krivas/Peat all the time they need because he did it Bryant who was not a guaranteed 1st round pick when he initially declared because he had not hired an agent yet.
The sooner they declare or return for the NBA?
The sooner Lloyd is going to be able to replace them and figure out how he wants his roster to look for the 2026-27 season.
#BearDown
Momcilivic somehow announced that he'll be in the portal, assuming he won't be projected as a high draft pick.
"IF" he somehow ends up transferring, he would unquestionably be the biggest commodity on the market. The kid can shoot...as we clearly witnessed in the Big-12 Semis.
Quote from: KansasCityCats on April 12, 2026, 06:21:19 PMMomcilivic somehow announced that he'll be in the portal, assuming he won't be projected as a high draft pick.
"IF" he somehow ends up transferring, he would unquestionably be the biggest commodity on the market. The kid can shoot...as we clearly witnessed in the Big-12 Semis.
Momcilivic was one of the few opponents that I would have liked to see have Arizona across his chest.
I was literally watching a YouTube video that was breaking down the most recent departures and commitments?
Momcivilic was on there and Florida was a school mentioned on there for his services.
Louisville is loading up on talent getting both Shelstad and Budinga.
The video also said they were rumored to be in on Blackwell and Murauskas as well?
I do not know who else is on their roster, but those four alone would generate Final Four buzz all season!
#BearDown
Quote from: Little George on April 12, 2026, 03:28:06 PMQuote from: mvpreed2 on April 12, 2026, 01:05:06 PMSo since the portal has opened, a lot of the names that we have talked about here has already committed.
G - Byrd: San Diego State - Providence
G - Johnson: Colorado - Texas
G - Shelstad: Oregon - Louisville
With that news, here is an updated short list that I would want to see Lloyd reach out to:
F - Diop: Arizona State
F - Khamenia: Duke
G - Lewis: Villanova
F - Murauskas: Arizona/Saint Mary's
C - Thiam: Cincinnati
F - Tiller: Kansas
I really want Lloyd to bring back Murauskas.
He was a member of my Reed All-Favorite team when he was here.
He went to Saint Mary's and did exactly what I believe he could have done here at Arizona.
I would not mind Khamenia coming to Arizona either.
I want this roster to get bigger, better perimeter shooting, and I am willing to sacrifice some athleticism to do so.
#BearDown
We have room to bring in 5 or 6 from the portal if we can get some good ones.
I like both those suggestions for sure. I also really like the PG from Santa Clara. He isn't the big name, but neither was McConnell when he came in. Blue collar guy.
I also like Tiller a lot! We will need multiple bigs/Forwards either way.
Now if we could get Peat back with Ivan and Krivas? Wow
Quote from: KansasCityCats on April 12, 2026, 06:21:19 PMMomcilivic somehow announced that he'll be in the portal, assuming he won't be projected as a high draft pick.
"IF" he somehow ends up transferring, he would unquestionably be the biggest commodity on the market. The kid can shoot...as we clearly witnessed in the Big-12 Semis.
He will make a great Pro in the modern NBA. His draft slot will be putrid. NIL will be lucrative.
Does he risk not having a great 3pt shot % in a system like ours?
Probably not nor should we be spending on him. He is unathletic. Hard to guard of course, but the offense isn't built for his style.
Eric Reibe is still my pick.
I personally like the JJ and Dixon pick ups. Tommy is reloading all of our Guards which was/is concerning.
Now we have at least 4 viable Guards to rotate plus 2 SF/Wings.
If Krivas does come back, we are fine at Starting Center, but we will need 1 more Big Man.
Sidi is not it even if he wanted to come back.
Hopefully Ivan the Crimson Dynamo returns, but 6'7" is not a PF.
I would play Krivas and Reibe together with a real PG like JJ the Man.
Quote from: arxpert on April 14, 2026, 01:00:32 AMI personally like the JJ and Dixon pick ups. Tommy is reloading all of our Guards which was/is concerning.
Now we have at least 4 viable Guards to rotate plus 2 SF/Wings.
If Krivas does come back, we are fine at Starting Center, but we will need 1 more Big Man.
Sidi is not it even if he wanted to come back.
Hopefully Ivan the Crimson Dynamo returns, but 6'7" is not a PF.
I would play Krivas and Reibe together with a real PG like JJ the Man.
I believe Lloyd realized that not having a true PG2 is going to hurt you as we saw how the offense would struggle at times when Bradley would go to the bench and Burries would run PG duties.
I believe the Dixon/Mandaquit additions are to quickly repair that void that Arizona had last season.
I hope when Lloyd switches over to the bigs, he goes out and gets a starting 6'10+ PF and another 7'0 C if possible to be the backup big coming off the bench.
If I could pick the backup F, I would want him to be a shooter too while we are at it.
Having Awaka was fun until we played Michigan and he was not as dominant inside as we were used to him being.
Lloyd needs to construct a roster to run through the Big 12 AND one built for another Final Four run.
#BearDown
I agree with Arx that Reibe fills that void. He can play PF but is big enough to control most Big-12 centers.
Tiller is my personal favorite prospect because his outside shot is dangerous and he is already thick enough to help in the post if there's a high screen.
I elect to have Tiller more than anyone. Unless by a miracle we end up with Diop. The Santa Clara guy intrigues me. Something about having a 7'1 at the 4 and then Krivas being 7'2 would be crazy to see.
Baba Miller just hit the portal. Versatile big, who could play PF alongside Krivas. Killer distributor.
Quote from: LouieGTheThird on April 14, 2026, 06:55:18 PMI elect to have Tiller more than anyone. Unless by a miracle we end up with Diop. The Santa Clara guy intrigues me. Something about having a 7'1 at the 4 and then Krivas being 7'2 would be crazy to see.
This is what I am hoping for now.
If nothing else, a 6'11 PF/C with very long arms and athletic enough to move and keep up with smaller, quicker PFs.
I was looking at the ASU big and the big from Cincinnati as options.
I am convinced Lloyd goes and gets some prospects from overseas at a lower cost.
#BearDown