Brayden Burries Chooses Arizona Wildcats – A New Era of Talent Takes Shape
On April 9, 2025, the basketball world turned its eyes to Tucson as Brayden Burries, a five-star combo guard and one of the most electrifying talents in the Class of 2025, announced his commitment to the Arizona Wildcats. The decision, unveiled live on ESPN’s SportsCenter, marks a pivotal moment for head coach Tommy Lloyd and a program that’s steadily building a reputation as a powerhouse for elite recruits. Burries, hailing from Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, California, brings a dynamic skill set and a competitive fire that could redefine Arizona’s backcourt for years to come.
At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Burries isn’t just a player who fills a stat sheet—he’s a game-changer. His senior season was a showcase of dominance, averaging 27.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.8 steals over the past two years. His crowning achievement? A jaw-dropping 44-point performance in the CIF State Open Division finals, shattering the previous record and cementing his status as California’s Gatorade Player of the Year. With a smooth mid-range jumper, improving three-point touch, and a knack for attacking the rim, Burries is the kind of player coaches dream of—a downhill playmaker with a high basketball IQ and a frame that promises even more growth.
What makes Burries’ commitment to Arizona so exciting isn’t just his talent, but how he fits into Tommy Lloyd’s system. Known for a fast-paced, player-friendly style, Lloyd has turned Arizona into a destination for top-tier prospects who thrive in freedom and structure alike. Burries himself cited this as a key factor, saying, “I love how Coach Lloyd lets his guys play through mistakes and maximizes their strengths. It’s a system where I can grow and contribute right away.” Add in the electric atmosphere of McKale Center—“the energy there is unreal,” Burries noted—and it’s clear why he chose Arizona over heavyweights like Alabama, Tennessee, USC, and Oregon.
This commitment doesn’t just bolster Arizona’s roster; it elevates their 2025 recruiting class to arguably the best in program history. Alongside fellow five-star studs Koa Peat and Dwayne Aristode, plus three-star sharpshooter Bryce James (yes, LeBron’s son), Burries joins a group poised to make noise on the national stage. Imagine this: a backcourt with Burries’ scoring prowess paired with Jaden Bradley’s veteran savvy, feeding Peat and Aristode in transition. It’s a recipe for highlight reels and, potentially, a deep NCAA Tournament run.
For Wildcats fans, Burries’ arrival softens the sting of losing star guard Caleb Love. While Love’s departure leaves big shoes to fill, Burries’ versatility—he can handle the ball, score at all three levels, and defend with tenacity—offers a seamless transition. His connection with incoming freshman Carter Bryant, a longtime friend, might even tip the scales in keeping Bryant in Tucson, adding another layer of intrigue to Arizona’s future.
As the Wildcats gear up for the 2025-26 season, Burries represents more than just a recruit. He’s a symbol of Arizona’s ascent, a player whose ceiling could land him in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. For now, though, his focus is clear: “I want to win championships and grow into the best version of myself.” With Tommy Lloyd at the helm and a loaded roster around him, Brayden Burries might just lead Arizona to the promised land.
Check out some of his highlights: