Arizona's Motiejus Krivas Returns: Wildcats Eye Next Step After Final Four Run

Motiejus Krivas, the standout center for the Arizona Wildcats, will return for the 2026-27 college basketball season after helping lead his team to the Final Four last year. Krivas, who emerged as a crucial contributor during Arizona's NCAA Tournament run, averaged 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in the previous campaign.

The Lithuanian big man's decision comes after a season in which the Wildcats reasserted themselves as one of the premier programs in college basketball. Arizona's deep tournament push was, in part, anchored by Krivas's steady presence in the paint, providing both scoring and rebounding at a high level.

• Krivas averaged 10.4 points per game during the 2025-26 season
• He pulled down 8.2 rebounds per contest
• Arizona reached the Final Four for the first time since 2001

The announcement of Krivas's return signals continuity and experience for an Arizona squad that will look to build on last season’s success. His size and skill set make him a matchup problem for opponents throughout the Pac-12, and his return should help stabilize the Wildcats’ frontcourt heading into the new season.

Krivas’s impact extends beyond the box score. His ability to anchor the defense, set effective screens, and facilitate offensive sets gives Arizona a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. With another offseason to develop, Krivas is expected to take on an even larger leadership role as head coach Tommy Lloyd reloads for another tournament run.

Arizona fans will be watching closely as Krivas and the Wildcats aim to parlay last year’s Final Four momentum into a potential national championship push in 2027. The return of their star center ensures the team remains a contender in the ever-competitive college basketball landscape.