Freshman guard Brayden Burries posted his official goodbye to Arizona, after helping lead the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship and Final Four appearance in his only season with the Wildcats.
Projected as a near-certain lottery pick, Burries posted on Instagram his expected decision that he will be declaring for the NBA Draft.
"Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of playing in the NBA and building a long career," Burries posted. "Now that opportunity is right in front of me. Growing up in San Bernardino (Calif.) and the Inland Empire, not many people get this chance so I don't take it for granted."
The normally soft-spoken Burries spent several paragraphs thanking his family, coaches from all of his teams and clinics plus UA, 做厙勛圖 and Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd. He also said he has been guided by understanding that the game is bigger than him.
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"You've got to have multiple 'whys,'" Burries said. "One of mine is to inspire the next generation and show them that anything is possible if you stay dedicated and embrace both the highs and the lows."
In the most recent updated mock NBA Drafts, Burries is projected to be taken between No. 5 (The Ringer) and No. 11 (NBADraft.net). ESPN has him No. 10 on its "big board" of available NBA prospects, while Yahoo projects Burries at No. 8 and The Athletic has him at No. 10.
"Burries has been outstanding for the Wildcats and is the teams leading scorer, despite a slow start that saw him average just 7.8 points in his first five games," The Athletic's Sam Vecenie wrote in March. "Teams think hes a good power guard but worry about him separating from his man consistently in the NBA. He relies on his pace and balance for the most part and might not be able to play as often on the ball.
"If thats the case, is Burries good enough at other parts of the game where hes worth having on the court? I think the answer is yes because of his rebounding and quick hands."
Arizona guard Brayden Burries (5) yells into the crowd after drawing a Purdue foul in the second half of their Elite Eight game in San Jose, Calif., March 28, 2026.
While Lloyd said he simply needed more "at-bats" while adjusting to the college game, Burries struggled in UA's big early season wins over Florida, UCLA and UConn. But he broke out with 28 points against Alabama in mid-December and emerged as the Wildcats top offensive threat, leading the Wildcats in scoring with an average of 16.1 points.
Burries scored 20 or more points in six games during February and March, and he hit 4 of 7 3-pointers to help the Wildcats beat Purdue 79-64 in the NCAA West Regional final to reach their first Final Four since 2001.
Burries joined freshman forward Koa Peat in posting an official declaration for the draft on Friday, the last day prospects can apply for early entry. UA center Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov have been expected to return to Arizona, although they might test the NBA Draft for feedback as guard Jaden Bradley did the previous two springs.
Arizonas spring roster transition
As of Friday, April 24, 3 p.m.
Expected returners
F Ivan Kharchenkov | 6-7 | 230 | sophomore
C Motiejus Krivas | 7-2 | 260 | senior
F Mabil Mawut | 6-11 | 200 | R-freshman
G Bryce James | 6-5 | 185 | R-freshman
Signed newcomers
Caleb Holt | 6-5 | 200 | freshman
Cameron Holmes | 6-6 | 205 | freshman
Derek Dixon | 6-5 | 200 | sophomore
JJ Mandaquit | 6-1 | 201 | sophomore
Expected departures
Jaden Bradley | 6-3 | 205 (declared for NBA Draft)
Tobe Awaka | 6-9 | 250 (out of eligibility*)
Anthony DellOrso | 6-6 | 190 (out of eligibility*)
Brayden Burries | 6-4 | 190 (declared for NBA Draft)
Koa Peat | 6-8 | 235 (declared for NBA Draft)
Dwayne Aristode | 6-8 | 215 | (in transfer portal)
Sidi Gueye | 6-11 | 215 | (transferring to Santa Clara)
Evan Nelson | 6-2 | 170 (out of eligibility)
* = Under current rules. (Nelson is also out of eligibility under the proposed "five in five" rule since his five-year window is up).
R = Redshirted in 2025-26
