In a basketball landscape that prioritises shooting from deep, the Arizona Wildcats thrive with a more refreshing approach.

For any basketball fan, whether that be the NBA, Super League Basketball (SLB), EuroCup, or even the NCAA, we have become accustomed to players throwing up three-point shots, even when the opportunity has not presented itself — simply because this is the fashionable trend.

While we have the Golden State Warriors and the legendary Steph Curry to thank for this approach, there is a particular college team that is refusing to follow the status quo just because it suits the current blueprint of basketball.

The Arizona Wildcats have adopted a refreshing, direct and aggressive style of play that has not only created success, but has propelled them to the summit of the AP Poll standings.

Arizona’s assault on the rim is creating championship expectations

As a viewer, the Wildcats’ tactical plan is an enthralling watch. Fortunately, Big 12 Conference matchups are easy viewing for UK fans, with much credit falling to YouTube for broadcasting full-game replays.

The statistics behind Arizona’s assertive attitude make for shocking reading, but suggest that other coaches should be mindful of how they set up their lineups.

Arizona are currently tied second in the entire NCAA for points in the paint (46.3ppg).

In comparison, the team ranks 355th for three-point attempts during a game (17.1). Just for nuance, there are 361 schools that are registered in 31 different Division 1 conferences. Meaning, the Wildcats are not considered a team that can do much damage from outside of the arc.

A tactic as bold as this requires cute detailing and a set of players who have fully bought into head coach Tommy Lloyd’s vision.

The common assumption is that teams would alter their defensive gameplan to clog up the paint and force Arizona to take shots they are not comfortable with — this has not proven to be the case.

Players thriving in a finely tuned system

This requires a team effort to space the floor effectively, occupy defenders and allow teammates to find their spots that can cause optimum damage; however, two Wildcats stars are truly flourishing with this approach.

Nifty guard Brayden Burries has altered his outside shooting attributes, now using exceptional footwork and speed to finish close at the rim.

Burries is averaging 15.3 points while shooting 50.2% from the floor. Much of the freshman’s efficiency has been due to his advanced effectiveness in transition, an area that the Wildcats prioritise.

Additionally, Arizona’s Koa Peat has established himself as one of the finest prospects in the country with his development in coach Lloyd’s unique system.

Peat is largely considered a projected top-20 pick in the 2026 draft. Although The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has predicted the forward will be selected with the eighth overall pick — which may be slightly ambitious, albeit not impossible.

The six-foot-eight freshman has recorded 14.8 points and 5,6 rebounds, while draining 57% of his field-goal attempts.

Now, ranked at the summit of the NCAA standings, the Arizona Wildcats (22-0) have established themselves as clear frontrunners for the NCAA Tournament come March time. Not only because of their relentless attitude in winning games, but also because of their stimulating approach to playing the game we all love.