Motiejus Krivas returning to Arizona in 2026-27 despite NBA buzz

Arizona basketball is undergoing a roster makeover after its lopsided loss to Michigan. The Wildcats already are losing Brayden Burries and Koa Peat to the NBA Draft. Motiejus Krivas is another hearing pro buzz.

But the league will wait another year for the top rim protector.

Krivas made the decision to return to Tucson, with the school announcing the move Monday. Arizona basketball even took to X, formerly Twitter, to send out this message:

“Go ahead and add him to your preseason POY watch list now. Mount Krivas is back!” the account posted.

Arizona gains a huge returnee here amid the notable departures. Krivas rose as one of the nation’s best at protecting the hoop. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game including swatting 11 during March Madness. Long Island watched the Lithuanian center execute four blocks against them during their first round NCAA Tournament matchup. He later blocked three Utah State attempts near the rim during that second round victory.

The 7-foot-2 center became a double-double presence too, producing nine games in surpassing 10 points and 10 rebounds. Krivas established his dominating presence on a team loaded in the frontcourt under head coach Tommy Lloyd.

Still, Krivas earned pre-draft buzz with Yahoo! Sports NBA columnist Kevin O’Connor plugging him to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 22 in the first round.

“Krivas is a 7-2 Lithuanian center who does the old-school things by rebounding, protecting the rim and scoring in the post. But he also brings a modern flair with his ability to make good reads as a passer and the flashes he shows as a shooter,” O’Connor wrote.

The returning big will have two new teammates already: Derek Dixon (North Carolina) and JJ Mandaquit (Washington).

The post Motiejus Krivas returning to Arizona in 2026-27 despite NBA buzz appeared first on ClutchPoints.