Lizzie Vargas

Lizzie Vargas

Joined: Jun 19, 2025

Lizzie Vargas attends Pasadena City College, pursuing a career in sports journalism. As a lifelong Raiders fan, she's excited to combine my passion for sports with storytelling that brings the sports world to life.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) shoots the ball against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Mar 30, 2026; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Caleb Holt (3) during the McDonalds All American Jam Fest at Millennium High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) is seen during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) is fouled Saturday, April 4, 2026, by Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Arizona’s season may hinge on replacing this key piece.

Michigan center Aday Mara (15) blocks Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) shot in the second half of their Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Arizona loses its glue guy as Koa Peat heads to the NBA.

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd speaks during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Arizona hands Tommy Lloyd full control of the program.

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

NIL has made it realistic and maybe smarter for Koa Peat to return to Arizona.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) shoots against Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Arizona’s path back to a championship runs through size and depth.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) attempts a three-pointer against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Brayden Burries is a polished, NBA-ready guard and a safe draft pick.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) celebrates after a play against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Arizona fans are panicking over transfers and NIL, but Tommy Lloyd’s track record proves the Wildcats are still built to win big.

Dec 13, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies guard JJ Mandaquit (23) looks to pass in the second half against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Arizona adds Dixon and Mandaquit, not flashy, but smart fits.

Millennium Tigers Cameron Holmes (3) reacts to a referee calling a foul during the open division semifinals against the St. Mary's Knights at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, on March 4, 2026.

Cameron Holmes brings defense, energy, and a team-first mindset to Arizona.

Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) cries Saturday, April 4, 2026, after the team’s 91-73 loss to the Michigan Wolverines during the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Why this canceled visit has Arizona fans talking.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) shoots over Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Arizona must avoid overspending in the portal. Smart NIL decisions, not flashy signings, will decide if this roster can truly contend.

ASU Sun Devils center Massamba Diop (35) dunks the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe on March 3, 2026.

Arizona needs a frontcourt star, and Massamba Diop could be the answer.