Arizona basketball fans hoped it would be different but Carter Bryant is officially, fully immersed in the NBA draft process. The hot question, of course, where will he go?
Carter Bryant shined as a strong freshman for Arizona basketball last season, on and off the court. He speaks on the brotherhood and the community of Tucson often but the community of Tucson has also talked about his character on and off the court. During this 2025 NBA Draft process, Carter Bryant has shown the authentic him and many have spoken on his character over his basketball abilities.
The 6’7” forward quickly became a key, off the bench player for Arizona helping them win some tough battles and ultimately helping them get to the Sweet 16. Bryant averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and shot 37.1% from three-point range.
“One thing I will be able to bring to the next level is being able to defend and shoot the basketball,” Bryant said on Tuesday at Draft media day, “But I think I’ve shown teams I am able to attack the close out, handle the basketball, and make reads out of pick and rolls.”
Carter Bryant has been turning heads since his high school days at Centennial which really was not that long ago for this young 19 year old star.
Here’s three hot CB topics going into the draft
#1: Too soon?
Arizona basketball fans hate to see the young star go but Tommy Lloyd was adamant that he goes and puts his best foot forward. Comments on any and every social media post of Carter Bryant had fans begging him to stay. After a while Bryant and Lloyd came out with the final decision to have CB go to the draft.
Did this catch Carter Bryant by surprise?
When asked how this draft journey has been for him he said, “exciting, nerve wracking” and “I was always planning on being a two year guy… I didn’t expect to be here a year out of high school.”
Although it was a surprise to many he has embraced the journey and gave nothing but huge shout-outs to his coaches and parents for getting him here.
#2: Most overlooked/underrated skill?
On Tuesday someone asked Braynt, “What is your most overlooked or underrated skill?”
“My passing.” Bryant quickly answered, “passing is my favorite thing to do outside of playing defense.”
Carter Bryant’s versatility is the number one thing that is spoken about. He can defend the ball, he can shoot the ball, he can pass the ball and create plays, he has the coordination and composure. He really does it all.
His passing stood out in his career with Arizona because although his passes weren’t always assists they were crucial passes to get the play started.
It looks as though his favorite pass is the full court pass; rebound, look up, pass that thing. He did it against Baylor finding KJ Lewis for a wide open bucket and again against ASU finding Jaden Bradley for the wide open bucket.
However, he may say his favorite pass is an “out the post pass.” On Tuesday he was asked if he could have one play named after him, what would it be?
“Out the post, if you throw that baseline kind of hook pass to the corner out the post, yeah the CB pass,” said Bryant.
#3: Where will he go?
Bryant has been turning heads with his versatility since his high school days at Centennial. The moment he stepped foot on the court for Arizona commentators were in awe. “This guy is special.” or “You are already ready for the next level young man.” Sometimes even, “you aren’t supposed to know how to do that yet.”
CB said he has worked out with five teams and confirmed that he has not worked out with Toronto.
His potential for development at the next level with already tons of talent and versatility is something that has made him stand out.
When asked what is one thing about his game that he is most locked into improving he said, “Honestly everything. I think understanding playing at the next level is a growing experience everyday.”
On Draft day, he posted an Instagram story of him working out, captioned “draft day work.”
There are many predictions, but on Wednesday, we’ll finally know where Bryant’s pro career will begin.