PHOENIX – One of the best moments during NBA draft cycles is the reaction of young men having their dream come true. The draft fulfills a dream that they have had since a kid, but for some, that moment becomes sweeter because of the team. The Phoenix Suns traded three second-round picks for the 30th pick to select Arizona Wildcats and Valley native Koa Peat to join the squad. The hours upon hours of waiting for his name to be called to seeing that his hometown team traded up to select him, brought tears to Peat’s eyes.
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Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) cries Saturday, April 4, 2026, after the team’s 91-73 loss to the Michigan Wolverines during the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Peat and family’s reaction to being drafted by Suns:
Surrounded by friends and family, Peat dissolved into his mother’s arms, while his father is losing his mind about seeing his son secure his dream. The moment is sweet for fans in Arizona, as they’ve seen the 19-year-old’s journey first hand. Seeing him win multiple state titles at Perry and helping Arizona get to the Final Four for the first time in decades. Peat has put the state on the map for basketball and continues to do that joining the Suns.
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
After his prolific high school career, the 6’8 forward was a top 10 nationally ranked recruit and committed to UofA. He was viewed as a projected lottery pick, but his production didn’t meet the expectations of scouts. Peat only averaged 14.3 points and had no outside shot, leading to him dropping nearly out of the first round.
However, general manager Brian Gregory and his staff reportedly still had Peat as a top 20 prospect and knew they needed to jump at the chance to bring back the hometown kid. For next season, the motivation of playing at home and dropping down the draft board could lead to Peat proving doubters and scouts wrong. The size and power he possess makes him a beast and an exciting Suns player to watch in 2026.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
