Arizona Wildcats Basketball: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

The University of Arizona boasts one of the most esteemed basketball programs in the nation. From the mid-1980s until 2009, the Wildcats consistently reached the NCAA Tournament for 25 consecutive seasons, establishing a tradition of excellence. While U of A experienced success under coaches like Fred Enke and Fred Snowden, it was under Lute Olson that Arizona became a perennial powerhouse. Olson's remarkable 589-188 record (75.8 winning percentage) over 24 seasons solidified a legacy that continues under the leadership of current coach, Sean Miller.

This article celebrates the top players in Arizona Wildcats basketball history, recognizing their individual accomplishments, statistics, and contributions to the team's overall success.

The Top 25 Arizona Wildcats Basketball Players

Here is a countdown of the top 25 players who have donned the Arizona Wildcats jersey, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

25. Tom Tolbert (1986-88)

After brief stints at Cal-Irvine and Cerritos College, Tom Tolbert found his place in Tucson. In his junior and senior seasons as a Wildcat, Tolbert averaged a solid 14 points and six rebounds per game. Despite being only 6-foot-7, he held his own against any opponent in the paint. While other players may have had better statistics, Tolbert's intangibles earned him a place in U of A history. His gritty toughness was instrumental in the 1987-88 Wildcats' Final Four run.

24. Reggie Geary (1992-96)

Reggie Geary exemplifies a player who made significant contributions to his teams without eye-catching statistics. Over his four years in Tucson, the 6-foot-2 guard scored 894 points (7.0 ppg), grabbed 398 rebounds (3.1 rpg), and dished out 560 assists (4.4 apg). His senior season was his best statistically, with 9.8 ppg and 7.0 apg. However, his primary role was as a vocal leader and defensive stopper, often guarding the opponent's best perimeter player.

Read also: Arizona Education System

23. Jordan Hill (2006-09)

Jordan Hill transformed from a basketball novice to a dominant force during his three years as a Wildcat. He was inserted into the starting lineup mid-freshman season based on his athleticism. While raw offensively, he intimidated opponents in the paint. By his sophomore year, Hill was a solid post player, averaging 13.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. In his final season, he averaged a double-double with 18.3 points and 11 rebounds per game.

22. Loren Woods (1999-2001)

Loren Woods arrived at Arizona after playing alongside Tim Duncan at Wake Forest. In just two seasons, Woods scored 789 points (14.3 ppg), grabbed 383 rebounds (7 rpg), and blocked 186 shots (3.4 bpg). Despite injuries in his senior year, he scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the 2001 NCAA Championship game loss to Duke.

21. Andre Iguodala (2002-04)

Andre Iguodala was one of the best open-court threats in U of A history. His combination of length, quickness, and athleticism made him lethal on the break or slashing to the basket. Underrated as a playmaker and rebounder, he had a breakout sophomore season with 12.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He handed out 147 assists and grabbed 253 rebounds during that season.

20. Channing Frye (2001-2005)

Channing Frye is considered the most improved player in University of Arizona history. He arrived as a "project" and left as an NBA Draft lottery pick. Frye scored 1,789 points (13.5 ppg) and grabbed 975 rebounds (7.3 rpg) over his four years in Tucson. The 6-foot-11 PF/C never shot below 54 percent from the field in any season, with a combined 56.2 percent for his career. Frye is No. 2 in blocked shots in U of A history with 253.

19. Anthony Cook (1985-89)

Anthony Cook was a player that coaches loved: willing to do the dirty work and not needing the ball all the time to score. He scored 1,590 points (12 ppg) over his four years in Tucson and was a consistent rebounder, averaging over seven boards per game in his sophomore through senior seasons. He holds the U of A records for career blocks (278) and single-season field goal shooting (62.9 percent).

Read also: Sun Devil Cheerleading

18. Chase Budinger (2006-09)

Chase Budinger was an excellent all-around player for the Wildcats. While some viewed his U of A career as disappointing due to high expectations, Budinger was an excellent shooter/scorer, averaging 17 points per game and shooting 46.9 percent from the floor. He totaled 1,697 points during his three-year career, ranking among the school's all-time top 10 in scoring average (17.0 ppg), made 3-pointers (190), and average minutes (35.4). Budinger was the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2006-07 and a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in his final 2008-09 campaign.

17. Luke Walton (1999-2003)

Luke Walton was one of the most versatile players in U of A hoops history. While he scored 1,179 points in his four years, his 662 rebounds and 582 assists are impressive. As a point forward, he had a breakout season as a junior, averaging 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. After spending his first two college seasons mostly coming off the bench, Walton was a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection in each of his final two years with the Wildcats.

16. Richard Jefferson (1998-2001)

Richard Jefferson may have been one of the most athletic players in program history. His physical gifts and leaping ability made him difficult for opponents to guard and allowed him to defend multiple positions. Jefferson averaged 11.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over his three-year Wildcats career and was a key part of the Wildcats' run to the 2001 Championship game against Duke.

15. Michael Wright (1998-2001)

Michael Wright, despite being an undersized PF for the Wildcats, performed exceptionally well. At 6-foot-7, Wright's low-post play was impressive, averaging 15.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, shooting 57.5 percent over his three years. He was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and earned All-American honors in both his sophomore and junior years. Wright was instrumental in helping the Cats make it to the NCAA Championship game in 2001.

14. Gilbert Arenas (1999-2001)

Gilbert Arenas exemplifies a player who wasn't a five-star recruit but thrived at the U of A. Arenas played in 70 games in two years in Tuscon, scoring 1,105 points (15.8 ppg), grabbing 269 boards (3.8 rpg), and handing out 155 assists (2.2 apg). The 6-foot-3 guard from LA led the 2001 NCAA runner-up team in scoring in his sophomore season, averaging 16.2 ppg and earning him All-American honors.

Read also: Understanding ASU Tuition

13. Salim Stoudamire (2001-2005)

Salim Stoudamire was one of the best "go-to" shooters in Wildcats' history. As a senior, Stoudamire hit on 50.4 percent of his shots from the field and beyond the arc. He was one of the best FT shooters in school history, knocking down 388-of-446 shots from the line (87 percent). The 6-foot-1 guard hit 342 3-pointers in his four years at the U of A. In his senior season, Stoudamire led Arizona to the Elite Eight and was named a Second-Team All-American selection. His 1,960 career points rank fourth in school history, and he's the Wildcats' all-time leader with 342 made 3-pointers, while second at 45.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

12. Michael Dickerson (1994-98)

Michael Dickerson was an indispensable part of the 1997 NCAA Championship team. Dickerson scored 1,791 points (13.8 ppg) and grabbed 480 boards from his wing position. He led the Cats in scoring in both his junior and senior seasons, shooting 45.8 percent for his four-year collegiate career. Over four seasons with the Wildcats, Dickerson posted 1,791 points, which rank among the school's all-time top 10.

11. Bob Elliot (1973-77)

Bob Elliot was a great U of A player before U of A was a great college basketball program. Elliot, in Arizona's pre Pac-10 days, scored 2,131 points (18.7 ppg) and grabbed 1,083 rebounds. Elliot averaged a double-double as a freshman (16.5 ppg; 10.7 rpg) and as a junior (18 ppg; 10.3 rpg). He shot a combined 53.4 percent from the floor over his four-year career and was a two-time (1976, 1977) All-American selection. In the annals of Arizona basketball, Elliott is the only player to reach the 2,000-point mark and 1,000-rebound milestone. He sits second in both categories with 2,131 points and 1,083 rebounds.

10. Khalid Reeves (1990-94)

Khalid Reeves was a prolific scorer, putting in 1,925 points over his four years at the U of A. As a senior, Reeves, a 6-foot-3 guard, had the school's best scoring season, averaging 24.2 ppg. He was excellent at getting to the line and making the other team pay for putting him there. As a senior, he shot 264 FTs, making 211 (79.9 percent). Because of his outstanding play, Reeves helped the Wildcats get to the 1994 Final Four. When it was all said and done, the 6-1 Queens native totaled 1,925 points, which rank fifth in school history. Reeves also ranks among the school's top 10 in made field goals (646), made 3-pointers (186), made free throws (447) and steals (187).

9. Chris Mills (1990-93)

Chris Mills played three exceptional years for the Wildcats after playing his freshman season for Kentucky. The 6-foot-6 forward scored 1,619 points (17.2 ppg) and grabbed 682 rebounds (7.3 rpg) at Arizona. As a senior, Mills averaged 20.4 ppg, shooting 52 percent from the field and an amazing 48.3 percent from beyond the arc. He started all 94 games he played with the Wildcats and was a two-time, First Team All-Pac-10 performer. Mills enjoyed his best collegiate season in his last, averaging a career-high 20.4 points, plus 7.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, while earning Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1992-93.

8. Derrick Williams (2009-11)

Derrick Williams had a fantastic two years in Tucson. Because of hard work and dedication, Williams developed into one of the top players in the country. Williams led the Wildcats in scoring in both of his years at U of A: 15.7 ppg as a freshman; 19.5 ppg as a sophomore. He was selected as the Pac 10 Freshman of the Year and a Sporting News First Team Freshmen All-American. As a sophomore, Williams was named the Pac 10 Player of the Year, a Wooden Award finalist, and a 2011 First Team All-American by Sports Illustrated. Williams led the Wildcats to an exceptional 30-8 record, winning the Pac 10 regular season championship and to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Williams' career 17.8 scoring average is tied for seventh-best in school history, while his 58.6 field goal percentage ranks fourth.

7. Jason Terry (1995-99)

Jason Terry was a great player who patiently paid his dues over the first three years of his collegiate career. The 6-foot-2 guard from Seattle was an essential part of the Wildcats' 1996-97 NCAA Championship team, mostly as a defensive stopper off the bench. Terry was generally thought of as one of, if not the best, sixth man in the country his junior year. Terry was not a regular starter until his senior season. But, as a senior, he led the nation in scoring (21.9 ppg), assists (5.5 apg) and steals (80/2.8 spg). Terry was not only named Pac 10 Player of the Year but also a First Team All-American and the 1999 Sports Illustrated Player of the Year. As a senior in 1998-99, Terry averaged 21.9 points, 5.5 assists, 3,3 rebounds and 2.8 steals â while also shooting 40 percent from 3-point range â en route to being named Pac-10 Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. Terry is Arizona's career leader with 245 steals, and also ranks within the school's top 10 in made 3-pointers (193) and assists (493).

6. Miles Simon (1994-98)

Miles Simon was a super-productive, high-scoring SG. For his four-year career, Simon scored 1,664 points (14.6 ppg) and handed out 455 assists (4.0 apg). As a junior, he was selected as the Final Four Most Outstanding Player on Arizona's 1997 NCAA Championship team. Simon tallied 30 points in the title game, connecting on 14 of 17 free throws. As a senior, Simon was selected as a First Team All American. For his career, the 1998 consensus All-American totaled 1,664 points, shot 46.3 percent from the field and 37.4 from beyond the arc. He also ranks among the school's top 10 in career made free throws (402).

5. Steve Kerr (1983-88)

Steve Kerr was not only a fan-favoriteâhe was one of the greatest players in U of A history. Kerr was a lights-out shooter, hitting on 54.8 percent from the field. He averaged 11.2 ppg and 3.4 apg. As a senior, Kerr set the NCAA record for 3-point field goal percentage for a single season, hitting 57.4 percent from beyond the arc. Kerr's gutsy performance and stalwart leadership helped the Cats make it to the 1988 Final Four. It's still quite remarkable that Kerr made 53.7 percent of his 3-point attempts (114-of-199) during the 1987-88 season â his final one at Arizona and the school's first that resulted in a Final Four appearance. The two-time, First Team All-Pac-10 performer was a 54.8 percent overall shooter for his career and earned second-team All-American status from The Associated Press during that stellar senior season.

4. Jason Gardner (1999-2003)

Jason Gardner was the consummate floor general who looked to make everyone else on the court better while still producing at an extremely high level. Gardner was an iron-man holding the Wildcats' records in games played (136), games started (135), and minutes played (4,825). The 5-foot-10 PG averaged 14.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.7 steals for his fantastic four-year career. Gardner was named the United States Basketball Writers Association Freshman of the Year in 2000 and was a consensus All American in 2003. As a sophomore, he ran the show in helping the Cats play Duke in the 2001 NCAA Championship game. Spanning his brilliant four-year college career, which featured three First-Team All-Pac-10 selections, Gardner ranks among the school's top five in career scoring (1,984), made 3-pointers (318), made free throws (516), assists (622) and steals (225). Gardner is also the school's all-time leader in 3-point field-goal attempts (875), games started (135), minutes played (4,825) and average minutes (35.5).

3. Damon Stoudamire (1991-95)

Damon Stoudamire was an amazing scoring point guard for the Wildcats, dropping in 1,849 points and handing out 663 assists over his fantastic four-year career. As a junior, Stoudamire, along with Khalid Reeves, led U of A to the 1994 Final Four. Stoudamire's senior season was one to remember. The 5-foot-10 lefty averaged 22.8 ppg., 4.3 rpg. and 7.3 apg. He was named Co-Pac 10 Player of the Year and was a consensus All-American. He's also right behind Reeves on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,849 points. Not to mention, Stoudamire sits third in school history with 272 made 3-pointers and within the all-time top 10 for making 40.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. In addition, he's among the program's career leaders in assists (663) and steals (174).

2. Mike Bibby (1996-98)

Mike Bibby only played two years in Tucson, but he was one of the most productive players in school history. Bibby started at the point from the first game of his freshman season. In just 69 games, he scored 1,061 points (15.4 ppg), handed out 375 assists (5.4 apg) and pinched 160 steals (2.3 spg). As a freshman, Bibby helped the Wildcats win the 1997 NCAA Championship, scoring 20 points in the championship game against Kentucky. In his second and final season as a Wildcat, Bibby was the Pac 10 Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. While helping the Wildcats win their only national championship to conclude the 1996-97 season, Bibby averaged 13.5 points while shooting 39.4 percent from 3-point range, and 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals to win Pac-10 Freshman of the Year.

1. Sean Elliott (1985-89)

Arguably the greatest player in the history of the Arizona basketball program. A two-time All-American, Elliott is the Wildcats' all-time leader with 2,555 points spanning four seasons, during which he started all 133 games played. In addition, Elliott holds school records for career made field goals (892) and made free throws (623). He also ranks within Arizona's top 10 in career scoring average (19.2 ppg), 3-point field-goal percentage (42.8), minutes (4,499), rebounds (808) and games started. A two-time Pac-10 Player of the Year, Elliott was named AP Player of the Year and winner of the Wooden Award for the 1988-89 season, when he averaged 22.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Other Notable Wildcats

Beyond the top 25, several other players deserve recognition for their contributions to Arizona basketball:

Bayless: Averaged 19.7 points in his only collegiate season (2007-08), becoming the first Wildcats freshman since Sean Elliott to lead the team in scoring and earn MVP honors.
Johnson: A two-time member of the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and the conference's player of the year and a consensus All-American for the 2013-14 campaign.
T.J. McConnell: Started all 74 games he played in two seasons for the Wildcats, was twice named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and earned honorable mention All-American recognition from the AP in his senior season of 2014-15.
Deandre Ayton: Averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds 1.9 blocks and 1.6 assists to win Pac-12 Player of the Year, Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and earn consensus All-American honors during the 2017-18 season. Ayton's 405 rebounds are a school record for a single season, while his 276 made field goals are tied for the most by any Wildcat during a one-year span.
Bennedict Mathurin: Averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals to earn Pac-12 Player of the Year honors in 2021-22.

tags: #arizona #basketball #notable #alumni