Updated: January 17, 2026
Updated: January 17, 2026
[Link to explanation and rationale of each position's multipliers]
Prospect Biography
Koa Peat, PF , Arizona
Koa Peat is a 6'8", 235-pound powerhouse forward from Gilbert, Arizona, currently making waves as a freshman for the Arizona Wildcats. Born on January 20, 2007, Peat comes from a distinguished athletic lineage; his father, Todd Peat Sr., played in the NFL, and several siblings have played high-level college football and basketball. This "football frame" is evident in his broad shoulders and elite functional strength. Before arriving in Tucson, Peat was a consensus five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American, leading Perry High School to multiple state titles. His international resume is equally decorated, having won multiple gold medals with USA Basketball and earning the 2023 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. As of early 2026, he is averaging approximately 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting nearly 58% from the field, cementing his status as a projected top-5 pick in the upcoming draft.
Master Scorecard
Physical Profile
Height & Reach
At a measured 6'8" in shoes with a standing reach that scales appropriately for a modern combo-forward, Peat possesses the "Roster Height" to survive in the league. However, in the context of the "verticality" era, he does not offer the elite reach of a true rim-protector. His reach allows him to contest shots effectively within the restricted area, but he won't be a player who can consistently bother 7-footers without leaving his feet. His height is ideal for a "Connector" who can see over the defense to make playmaking reads, but he must rely on positioning rather than raw altitude to maintain his defensive floor.
Wingspan
Peat’s length is a point of contention among scouts, featuring a wingspan of approximately 6'11" (+3 relative to height). While this satisfies the "Disruption Index" for a wing, it is not "Unicorn" length that covers for poor positioning. He uses his length effectively for "active hands" in passing lanes, but he lacks the recovery radius of the league's elite +6" wingspan defenders. This score reflects a player who is disciplined with his reach but won't be "poking balls loose from behind" at a generational rate.
Frame & Durability
This is the "Football Pedigree" coming to life. Peat possesses elite shoulder width and bone density, allowing him to absorb the "bumps" that derail narrower prospects. His frame is physically mature—reminiscent of a young Carlos Boozer or Aaron Gordon—which suggests he is already equipped for the 82-game grind. Scouts have noted his high "Performance Floor" because he simply doesn't get moved off his spots. His durability is bolstered by a low center of gravity and a frame that seems built to withstand NBA-level collisions without significant wear.
Strength
Peat’s "Lower-half anchor" is arguably his best physical trait. In the post, he is virtually unmovable; he can hold his ground against traditional centers, a rare feat for a 6'8" freshman. This strength isn't just "weight room power"—it is functional, allowing him to maintain his shooting pocket while being fouled and to carve out space for rebounds against multiple bodies. His ability to initiate contact and remain balanced makes him a "matchup nightmare" who punishes smaller wings and overpowers traditional bigs.
Vertical
Peat is not a "high-flyer" in the traditional sense. His "Pop and Lift" off a standstill is functional but requires a slight "gather" to reach maximum height. While he can finish with authority in transition, he isn't going to jump over the top of set rim protectors in the half-court. This score represents a limitation in "Instant Air," meaning his scoring at the rim must be predicated on strength and touch (finesse) rather than raw vertical intimidation.
Second Jump
The "Pogo Factor" is where Peat regains his athletic edge. He possesses an elite ability to land and immediately re-ascend for a tip-in or a second contest. This makes him a Tier-1 offensive rebounding threat; even if he misses the initial layup, he is often back at the rim before the defender has finished their landing cycle. This rapid recovery speed is vital for a "Connector" who does the "dirty work" around the basket, ensuring he wins the war of attrition in the paint.
Lateral Quickness
Peat demonstrates surprisingly fluid "Hip Mobility" for a player of his bulk. He can "open his hips" to run with drivers and has shown the ability to "flip" back to cut off baseline drives. While he may struggle against the most elite, twitchy NBA point guards, he is more than capable of switching 2-through-4. His containment is built on smart angles and a wide base rather than "blur-like" foot speed, making him a reliable perimeter defender who won't be hunted in P&R situations.
Linear Speed
As a "Rim-running" forward, Peat creates constant 5-on-4 advantages. He sprints the floor with purpose, often beating opposing bigs down-court to establish deep seal-positioning or catch lobs. His end-to-end burst is excellent for his weight, allowing Arizona to play at one of the fastest tempos in the country. This linear speed ensures he is always a factor in transition, either as the primary finisher or the trailer for an open mid-range look.
Balance
Peat’s ability to decelerate is the "secret sauce" of his shot creation. He can go from a full-speed drive to a controlled "Stop-and-Pop" jumper in a single step, showing elite core strength. This balance allows him to remain vertical during contested layups, significantly boosting his and-1 frequency. Unlike many young "bully-ball" players who barrel into defenders out of control, Peat is a "ballet dancer in a tank's body," using his core to navigate tight spaces with precision.
Stamina
Peat has shown the ability to play heavy minutes (30+) without his shooting mechanics degrading or his defensive stance widening. His "Performance Floor" remains high even in the closing minutes of games against high-major opponents. While the NBA's travel schedule and 48-minute game will be a test, his current conditioning suggests a player who takes his professional preparation seriously. He rarely looks winded, maintaining the energy needed to dive for loose balls late in the fourth quarter.
Offensive Skillset
Free Throws
As the "Pure Touch" proxy, Peat’s performance at the line is the most scrutinized aspect of his profile. Currently hovering in the low-to-mid 60% range, his mechanics show a slight hitch that prevents a fluid release. In the NBA, this is often a red flag for his ability to eventually space the floor to the three-point line. If he cannot improve this "Pure Touch" indicator, defenses will likely play him as a non-shooter, significantly shrinking the floor for his teammates.
Mid-Range
Peat is a master of the "Playoff Tool." When defenses wall off the rim, he is incredibly comfortable operating in the 15-foot range. He utilizes a polished turnaround jumper and a high-release fadeaway that is difficult to contest due to his high release point and strength. This ability to hit contested pull-ups in the "dead zones" of the court makes him a reliable safety valve for an offense when the primary action breaks down.
3Pt (Catch & Shoot)
His "Spacing Gravity" is currently a work in progress. While he shows proper "shot-ready" preparation—feet set and hands up—the results are inconsistent. NBA defenders currently treat him as a "closeout-optional" player, meaning they are willing to let him shoot to protect the drive. To reach his ceiling, he needs to force the defense to "stretch" by hitting these looks at a clip that demands a hard contest.
3Pt (Off Dribble)
Peat rarely looks for the self-created triple. His "Self-Creation" bag is primarily focused on getting to his spots in the mid-post or driving to the cup. Because he doesn't yet pose a threat with pull-ups or step-backs from deep, defenders can "under" screens with impunity. Developing this tool would force defenses to "show" on screens, which would unlock the 4-on-3 playmaking opportunities where he truly excels.
3Pt NBA Range (Projection)
His mechanics are currently more "push" than "one-motion" when he moves beyond 22 feet. The arc and power required for NBA-depth threes occasionally cause his elbow to flare, leading to horizontal misses. While the strength is there to reach the distance, the fluidity needs refinement to ensure his efficiency translates from the shorter college line to the deeper professional perimeter.
Finish (Power)
Peat’s "Rim Pressure" is elite. He possesses the rare ability to dunk through a defender's chest, and his high Free Throw Rate (FTr) is a direct result of his willingness to embrace contact. He does not shy away from the "bumps" at the rim, often moving shot-blockers out of their vertical plane with his shoulder before they can reach the peak of their jump.
Finish (Finesse)
Beyond the power, Peat has a "Soft Touch" that is rare for a player of his bulk. He utilizes floaters, wrong-foot layups, and high-arcing "English" off the glass to score over taller rim protectors. This versatility means that even when he cannot out-jump the defense, he has the creative finishing package to find the bottom of the net through traffic.
Off-Hand
Peat is comfortably ambidextrous around the cup. If a scout tries to "force left," Peat is capable of driving, maintaining his balance, and finishing with a left-handed hook or layup. While his left-handed passing isn't quite at the level of his right, his scoring "Ambidexterity" makes him much harder to scheme against than a typical one-handed dominant forward.
Handle
For a 6'8", 235-pound player, Peat maintains solid "Ball Security." He can bring the ball up against hounding defenders without turning his back to the basket, which allows him to keep his eyes on the floor. While he isn't a "breakdown" ball-handler who will dance on the perimeter, his handle is tight enough to navigate through traffic and get into his offensive sets.
Live-Dribble Passing
This is a hallmark of Peat's "Unicorn" potential. He can execute one-handed "Whips" off the bounce with startling accuracy. His ability to pass without picking up the ball allows him to freeze defenders, as they cannot tell if he is initiating a drive or a kick-out. This skill is essential for an NBA point-forward role.
P&R Navigation and Reads
Peat understands the art of "Manipulation" in the screen game. He is adept at putting his defender "on his back" (the prison dribble) to keep them out of the play while he surveys how the help-side defense reacts. He rarely rushes his reads, showing a level of patience in the pick-and-roll that is usually reserved for veteran guards.
Vision and Anticipation
Peat sees "The Second Read" before it happens. He doesn't just pass to the open man; he passes to where the shooter will be after the next rotation. By identifying the "low-man" helper before they even step into the paint, he can skip the ball to the weak-side corner with perfect timing, consistently staying one step ahead of the defensive scheme.
Pass Velocity & Accuracy
He throws "Bullet Passes" that arrive in the shooter's pocket with high heat. This velocity is vital because it denies defenders the time needed to recover and contest the shot. His accuracy is consistent regardless of whether he is throwing a full-court outlet or a zip-pass to a cutter in a crowded lane.
Screening & Cutting
Peat possesses immense "Off-Ball Gravity." When he sets a screen, he makes heavy contact, effectively taking defenders out of the play. As a cutter, he has an innate sense for "ghost" spaces, sliding into gaps when the defense focuses too heavily on the ball. This makes him a constant threat even when he isn't the primary playmaker.
Transition Offense
His "Decision Making at 100mph" is high-level. Whether he is the one pushing the break or trailing as a secondary option, he consistently makes the right choice. He knows when to attack the rim for a lob and when to pull up to find a trailer for a wide-open three, ensuring the fast break results in a high-value shot.
Offensive Rebounding
Peat has the "Worm" trait. He is relentless at maneuvering around box-outs to generate second-chance points. His combination of strength to hold his spot and the "Pogo Factor" to get back to the rim quickly allows him to punish teams that don't put multiple bodies on him when the ball goes up.
Defensive Impact
Point-of-Attack
Peat’s ability to "sit in a stance" and provide individual ball pressure is remarkably advanced for a player of his 235-pound frame. He possesses the lateral mobility to stay in front of most collegiate wings and has shown a "pesky" disposition when invading an opponent's personal space. While the most elite, twitchy NBA guards might challenge his recovery speed, his ability to keep the ball out of the paint through disciplined positioning and a wide base makes him a reliable primary defender at the point of attack.
Wing Iso
In isolation scenarios, Peat stays incredibly disciplined "on an island." He rarely bites on pump fakes and uses his 6'11" wingspan effectively to contest pull-ups without over-committing. His defensive technique involves staying "light on his feet" into his opponent's body, which allows him to absorb the driver's contact and neutralize their momentum. This discipline prevents the defensive breakdowns that often plague younger, more aggressive prospects.
Post Defense
Peat is a formidable anchor in the post. Utilizing his elite lower-half strength, he prevents opposing bigs from "backing down" into the restricted area, often forcing them into difficult, high-arcing hook shots or fadeaways. He "bodies up" post players with a physical style that reflects his football background, ensuring that even larger opponents struggle to find comfortable positioning in the paint.
Screen Navigation
Screen navigation is a respectable area for Peat, given his bulk. He has shown the capability to get "skinny" to stay attached to shooters, though he is more naturally suited for "switching" or "hedging" rather than fighting over screens for 40 minutes. His core strength allows him to redirect drivers who try to use the screen to create a shoulder-to-shoulder advantage, though he occasionally relies on his strength to recover rather than pure foot-speed.
Rim Protection
Peat is not a primary rim protector in the traditional sense due to his 6'8" height and +3 wingspan. However, he is excellent at "altering" the trajectory of shots through verticality and timing. He averaged 1.6 blocks per game in the 2024 adidas 3SSB circuit, proving that while he may not be a high-volume "eraser," he is a significant deterrent who understands how to contest without fouling.
Defensive Rebounding
Rebounding is where Peat effectively "finishes the stop." He is a relentless "box-out" technician who initiates contact with the opponent first rather than just watching the ball. His high-level timing and active motor allow him to control the glass against taller opponents, a trait that was evident in his historic 16-rebound performance at the high school level and his consistent production for Arizona.
Passing Lanes
Peat utilizes his length and high defensive IQ to anticipate and deflect passes. He has "active hands" and a keen sense of "swipe angles," allowing him to snag the ball before his opponent can secure it. His steal stats across FIBA competitions (averaging 1.5 to 1.9 SPG) indicate that he is a constant threat in the passing lanes, often turning defense into immediate transition offense.
Closeouts
Peat displays nearly ideal "Sprint-to-Stall" technique on closeouts. He chops his feet effectively with one hand raised to contest the shot and the other extended to discourage the drive. This control ensures that he isn't easily beaten by simple pump-fakes, allowing him to maintain the integrity of the team's defensive structure even when forced to rotate to the perimeter.
Help IQ
His "Defensive Awareness" is a standout trait. Peat is often the "low-man" on a lob threat or the first to "tag" the roller in a P&R. His ability to process the game quickly allows him to call out screens and switches before they happen, acting as a secondary floor general on the defensive end. This high-level recognition helps mitigate any physical limitations in raw verticality or length.
Transition Defense
Peat’s "Communication" and sprint-back effort are consistent. He is excellent at identifying defensive assignments in the chaos of a change of possession and uses his open-court speed to eliminate easy buckets. He is often seen sprinting back for chase-down contests, a testament to a motor that rarely shuts off regardless of the score or the minute of the game.
Mental & Intangibles
Offensive Processing
Peat’s "0.5-second rule" execution is among the best in the 2026 class. He processes double-teams and help rotations instantly, rarely holding the ball long enough for the defense to reset. This speed of decision-making allows him to act as an auxiliary hub; whether he is hitting a cutter from the elbow or making a rapid-fire kick-out on a drive, he ensures the offense remains fluid. His processing doesn't just prevent turnovers; it creates advantages by forcing defenders to stay in a constant state of "catch-up."
Defensive Awareness
Peat acts as a vocal anchor for the Arizona defense. His "Real-time communication" is advanced for a freshman, frequently heard calling out back-side screens or directing teammates to their assignments. While he occasionally has lapses when watching the ball too intently, his overall recognition of offensive sets allows him to "pre-rotate" to the spot, compensating for any lack of elite vertical recovery speed. He plays the game like a veteran linebacker, anticipating the play before it fully develops.
Shot Selection
Understanding the difference between a "good shot for me" and a "good shot for the team" is a hallmark of Peat's maturity. He rarely forces contested looks at the rim, preferring to reset the offense or find a better-positioned shooter if his path is walled off. His efficiency—shooting nearly 58% from the field—is a direct result of this discipline. He understands his current range limitations and prioritizes high-value looks in the paint and the mid-range "playoff zones."
Motor
Peat’s "Engagement" level is relentless. He treats every possession with a "Game 7" intensity, frequently diving for loose balls and sprinting the length of the floor for chase-down block attempts. This high motor is particularly evident on the glass, where he treats every miss as his ball to win. Scouts value this "Effort is a Skill" mentality, as it suggests his production will remain high even on nights when his shot isn't falling.
Toughness
Embracing the "grind" is part of Peat's DNA. He seeks out contact, using his broad frame to "bully" opponents into submission. This isn't just about strength; it's a disposition. He relishes the physical battle in the post and doesn't back down from older, more experienced bigs. This "toughness" translates to a high free-throw rate and a defensive presence that makes opposing drivers think twice before entering the lane.
Clutch
Peat possesses exceptional "Cortisol Control." In high-pressure moments—such as his 30-point debut against Florida where he delivered back-to-back dunks to break a tie late in the game—he demands the ball and executes with poise. He doesn't shrink under the bright lights; instead, he simplifies his game and relies on his high-percentage tools to seal victories. His history of winning state titles and gold medals with Team USA has built a "clutch" resume that NBA front offices covet.
Leadership
As a "Connector," Peat’s influence on team chemistry is significant. He maintains positive body language even after turnovers or bad calls, quickly rallying his teammates for the next play. His experience as a captain for youth national teams has translated well to the collegiate level, where he is already viewed as a stabilizing force in the Wildcats' locker room. He leads by example, combining his high motor with vocal encouragement.
Scalability
Peat is the ultimate "Star in your Role" candidate. Because he doesn't need to be the primary scoring option to impact the game, he can scale up or down based on team needs. On a team with elite guards, he thrives as a short-roll playmaker and defensive anchor; if the team needs a bucket, he can transition into a primary post-up threat. This adaptability makes him an easy fit for almost any NBA roster configuration.
Coachability
Peat’s "Correction Speed" is a frequent talking point among the Arizona coaching staff. He is a "quick study" who applies tactical adjustments immediately after they are discussed in film sessions or timeouts. His willingness to buy into a team-first defensive system, despite his status as a top-tier recruit, highlights a level of humility and professional focus that suggests he will be a low-maintenance, high-impact asset for an NBA coach.
Age/Upside
Born in January 2007, Peat is one of the youngest prospects in the 2026 class. This youth acts as a massive potential multiplier; the fact that he is already producing at an All-Big-12 level while being younger than many incoming freshmen is a terrifying prospect for opponents. His "runway" for development is immense, particularly regarding his perimeter shooting. If a team views his current 87.9 rating as his floor at age 19, his ceiling as he enters his physical prime is that of a perennial All-NBA contributor.
Final Grade
Understanding the Final Grade
The final rating of 87.9 classifies Koa Peat as a Premier Starter with All-Star upside. In the "Grind Report" system, a score in the high 80s represents a prospect who possesses multiple "NBA-ready" tools that can immediately contribute to a winning rotation. While he lacks the "Generational" length or elite spacing of other lottery peers, his elite efficiency, functional strength, and mental processing provide him with one of the highest floors in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Executive Summary
Koa Peat is a physically imposing, high-IQ forward who defines the "Connector" archetype. Standing 6'8" and weighing 235 pounds, he arrived at Arizona as one of the most decorated junior players in Team USA history and immediately validated that pedigree with a historic 30-point debut against the defending national champion, Florida. He is a "ballet dancer in a tank’s body," combining brute force in the paint with sophisticated playmaking and a refined mid-range game. While his perimeter shooting is the primary obstacle to a "Cornerstone" grade, his ability to impact every other column of the box score makes him a top-5 lock for the 2026 draft.
Primary Strengths
* Elite Functional Power: Peat possesses an NBA-ready frame that allows him to dominate the glass and finish through contact. His lower-half anchor (Grade: 96) makes him virtually unmovable in post-up or screening situations.
* Advanced Playmaking (Short-Roll Hub): He is a rare forward who can make "live-dribble" passes and identify "the second read" before the defense rotates. His vision (Grade: 95) allows him to act as an offensive hub.
* Mental Processing & Motor: Peat’s "0.5-second rule" decision-making and relentless hustle ensure he stays productive even when his shot isn't falling. He is a high-IQ defender and a vocal leader.
* Interior Scoring Polish: Between his "Power" finishing and a high-release "Mid-Range" turnaround, Peat is a efficient scorer (57.1% FG) who punishes mismatches with ease.
Primary Concerns
* The "Pure Touch" Swing Factor: His free throw percentage (61%) and 3-point shooting (26.7%) are the biggest limiters to his ceiling. NBA teams will likely "dare him to shoot" until the mechanics stabilize.
* Length & Verticality: With a +3 wingspan and average max verticality, he is not a primary rim protector. He must rely on positioning and timing rather than raw physical "erasing" at the basket.
* Self-Creation from Deep: He currently lacks a reliable off-the-dribble triple, which allows defenders to sag off in pick-and-roll scenarios and clog the driving lanes for his teammates.
Final Scout Assessment
Koa Peat is a safe "bet" in the 2026 draft for any team seeking a culture-setting, multi-positional forward. He is a winner who has earned gold medals and state titles at every level by simply outworking and outthinking the opposition. In the NBA, he projects as a high-end "Connector" who can defend wings and bigs alike while serving as a secondary playmaker. If his shooting develops—even to a league-average 35%—he transitions from a reliable starter into a perennial All-Star. He is the engine that makes a good team great.
Player Comparison
The High-End Utility Connector (Comparison: Jae Crowder / PJ Tucker)
In this scenario, Peat’s shooting mechanics never quite reach league average, limiting his offensive gravity to the paint and the mid-range. However, his 96 Functional Strength and 91 Help IQ ensure he remains a staple in a winning rotation. Like Crowder or Tucker, he becomes a "strength-first" defender who can switch onto multiple positions and punish smaller lineups on the offensive glass. His value would lie in his "dirty work"—setting bone-crunching screens, winning 50/50 balls, and acting as a secondary hub who keeps the ball moving. While he may not be a primary scoring option, his disposition and toughness would make him an indispensable "glue guy" for a playoff contender.
The Versatile Secondary Hub (Comparison: Julius Randle / Al Horford)
The most likely outcome sees Peat developing a respectable, situational three-point shot (33–35%) while fully leaning into his 95 Vision and Anticipation. In this tier, he evolves into a versatile frontcourt playmaker similar to Al Horford or Julius Randle. He becomes a "short-roll" nightmare, catching the ball at the free-throw line and either powering through defenders for a finish (Grade: 95) or whipping "bullet passes" to open shooters. Defensively, he serves as a multi-positional "Shield," capable of anchoring a small-ball lineup at the 5 or playing as a traditional 4. This version of Peat is a consistent 18-point, 8-rebound, 4-assist player who flirts with All-Star appearances in his prime.
The Modern Point-Forward Cornerstone (Comparison: Chris Webber / Paolo Banchero)
In his 99th-percentile outcome, Peat’s 97 Age & Development Runway allows him to fully unlock his perimeter game, turning his "project" shooting into a legitimate weapon. With a fluid pull-up jumper and the ability to initiate the offense as a primary ball-handler, he becomes a "Point-Forward" in the mold of Chris Webber or a more physically dominant version of Paolo Banchero. His 90 Offensive Processing Speed allows him to manipulate NBA defenses in real-time, making him the focal point of an entire franchise. This ceiling sees Peat as a perennial All-NBA candidate—a mismatch nightmare who is too strong for wings, too fast for bigs, and too smart for double-teams.
The Film