Losing stars always sounds scary, but for the Arizona Wildcats, this season isn’t about replacing talent; it’s about redefining who everything runs through. That guy is Motiejus Krivas. Not Caleb Holt, not some mystery transfer, not even the system itself. It’s Krivas.

That’s a big shift. Last year, Arizona had options everywhere. This year, it feels way more centered, and that’s not a bad thing.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd reacts during the second half in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Motiejus Krivas' last season was really good. But he wasn’t the guy. He was more like the glue; defense, rebounding, smart plays, and some scoring when needed. Now, that’s not enough anymore. If Arizona wants to stay elite, Krivas has to jump from “really solid” to straight-up dominant.

We’re talking something like 17 points and 11 rebounds per game.…