Arizona's Projected Starting Lineup and Rotation Against Michigan

In just four days, the 1-seeded Arizona Wildcats will be playing in perhaps the biggest game in 25 years. Arizona is set to take on the 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four in Indianapolis, IN.

The Wildcats got to the semi-final round of the NCAA Tournament by blowing past the LIU Sharks in the first round, getting through a scrappy Utah State Aggies team, routing the Arkansas Razorbacks, and dominating the Purdue Boilermakers.

OFF TO THE FINAL 4 pic.twitter.com/ZifKsoaB5f
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) April 1, 2026

Arizona officially left for Indiana on Wednesday, and head coach Tommy Lloyd has his squad ready for what may be a gritty game between arguably two of the best teams in the NCAA. Before the spectacle begins this Saturday at 5 p.m. (MST), let's take a look at who is expected to take the floor.

PG: Jaden Bradley

Bradley hasn't missed a game all season and has been the Wildcats' unanimous leader, closing out competitive games and ensuring his team is in the best position to perform. His presence on the defensive end, paired with his ability to spread the floor, is the reason why he was the Big 12's Player of the Year.

Bradley has shown he is an exceptional floor general, finding an open man anywhere on the court, which is why he is the team's assists leader. He averages 4.4 assists per game.

SG: Brayden Burries

A freshman with veteran-level ability to score, Brayden Burries has quickly become one of the most dependable players to make a basket with the ball in his hands. It was a tough start for the 19-year-old San Bernardino native, but once he found his stride, he became the team's leading scorer.

Burries averages 16.1 points with 50% shooting from the field. He has also shown impressive rebounding (4.9 per game) that has only improved as the season progressed. Burries' perimeter shooting will come in handy when Arizona faces Michigan. He has averaged 71.8% from beyond 3-point range and 58.8 from the field.

SF: Ivan Kharchenkov

Ivan Kharchenkov is no ordinary freshman. He has brought experience from the European league, and it has shown through his aggressive defense and offensive ability to score against the largest mismatches.

At 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, Kharchenkov's frame and speed make him a dangerous scorer and defender. Against Purdue, he scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the 79-64 win. He can defend from any part of the floor and score tough baskets when the game is close.

PF: Koa Peat

The third dominant starting freshman for Arizona, Koa Peat, has earned the nickname "Mr. Arizona" this season for his flashy play, scoring ability in the field, and strength on defense. It seems as if Peat was made for the NCAA Tournament. His four state championships and gold medal on the USA's U19 team prove that.

The 6-foot-8, 235-pound Chandler, AZ standout scored at least 20 points in the final two games of the tournament while also shooting 61.4% from the field.

C: Motiejus Krivas

A physical and imposing center, Motiejus Krivas has been a huge weapon for Arizona, both on offense and defense. Throughout her tournament, Krivas has averaged 9.5 rebounds per game, 2.5 blocks, and 10 points. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year will need to be at his best when he meets Aday Mara on the court, as it will be an interesting matchup between the two.

Rotation

The Wildcats' three-man rotation has been consistent throughout the 2025 season. Freshman Dwayne Aristode is a reliable player who is a lockdown defender with a solid jump shot. Guard Anthony Dell'orso has elite 3-point shot skills and an underestimated ability to play defense.

Tobe Awaka is perhaps the most imposing sixth man in the NCAA. His rebounding skills put him on notice this season. He currently has the 10th most rebounds in the NCAA (344) and averages the 28th most per game (9.1). He is also ranked first in offensive rebound percentage (20.1) and 19th on the defensive side (26.2).