Arizona announced center Tobe Awaka has signed for next season and will be back as a senior in 2025-26.
The school posted a video of Awaka confirming his decision.
"Wildcat nation, I appreciate you guys for welcoming me with open arms this past season and super grateful for the opportunity," Awaka said. "This season was such a great experience. With that being said, I will be running it back next season and I'm super excited to wear that Wildcat red, white and blue."
Tobe has re-signed and will be BACK next season 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Mz3MSW6HEG
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) April 11, 2025
A transfer from Tennessee last summer, Awaka became an honorable mention all-Big 12 pick in 2024-25, averaging 8.0 points and 7.8 rebounds while starting 36 of 37 games.
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While splitting up much of Arizona's center minutes with Motiejus Krivas over the Wildcats' first eight games, Awaka's production grew while averaging 21.2 minutes in Big 12 games.
Arizona forward Tobe Awaka (30) batters his way into the paint through Baylor guard Jayden Nunn (2) during the first half of their Big 12 game, Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 14, 2025.
If Krivas also returns, UA is expected to have a three-player rotation along with incoming freshman Koa Peat for its two post spots, similar to how it operated in 2024-25 with Awaka, Trey Townsend and Henri Veesaar. Both Awaka and Peat are capable of playing center if Krivas is out, and both can play power forward when he's in the game.
Awaka's return gives the Wildcats 10 scholarship players plus three former walk-ons. Krivas is one of four scholarship players who have not confirmed their intentions, however.
Arizona's tentative 2025-26 roster
Tobe Awaka, 6-8, senior
Dwayne Aristode, 6-8, freshman
Jaden Bradley, 6-3, senior*
Brayden Burries, 6-4, freshman
Carter Bryant, 6-8, sophomore*
Anthony Dell’Orso, 6-6, senior*
Bryce James, 6-4, freshman
Motiejus Krivas, 7-2, junior *
Evan Nelson, 6-2, senior
Koa Peat, 6-8, freshman
Addison Arnold, 6-3, sophomore#
Jackson Francois, 6-5, senior #
Jackson Cook, 6-3 sophomore#
* Unconfirmed plans for 2025-26.
# Walk on player in 2023-24. Walkons will not be allowed on top of a 13-player scholarship maximum in 2025-26, but instead rosters will have a total maximum of 15 players.
