Arizona Wildcats Targeting Top 2027 Recruits

Coach Tommy Lloyd and staff have their sights set on landing elite talent for the 2027 season.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:42pm

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The Arizona Wildcats basketball program has already begun targeting top prospects for the 2027 recruiting class, including four-star center Darius Wabbington from Phoenix and four-star point guard Jason Gardner Jr. from Indianapolis. While the 2026 class is still a focus, Lloyd and his staff are working hard to position Arizona as a contender for these highly-touted 2027 recruits.

Why it matters

Securing elite talent is crucial for the Wildcats to maintain their status as a national powerhouse. Landing players like Wabbington and Gardner Jr. would give Arizona a strong foundation for the 2027 season and beyond, helping to ensure the program's continued success.

The details

Wabbington, a Phoenix native, is ranked as the No. 21 overall player and No. 3 center in the 2027 class by Rivals. Arizona offered him a scholarship in June 2025 and has built a strong relationship with the young center. Gardner Jr., a four-star point guard from Indiana, holds over 15 Division I offers, and the Wildcats are working to make themselves a top contender in his recruitment despite offering him just last month.

  • Arizona first offered Darius Wabbington a scholarship in June 2025.
  • The Wildcats offered Jason Gardner Jr. a scholarship last month.

The players

Darius Wabbington

A four-star center from Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix, Arizona, Wabbington is ranked as the No. 21 overall player and No. 3 center in the 2027 class by Rivals.

Jason Gardner Jr.

A four-star point guard from Fishers High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, Gardner Jr. is ranked as the No. 40 overall player and No. 13 point guard in the 2027 class by Rivals.

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What they’re saying

“As an Arizona native, I grew up rooting for the program. I have a strong relationship with Coach Lloyd and the coaching staff.”

— Darius Wabbington, Four-star center (Rivals)

What’s next

The Wildcats will continue to actively recruit Wabbington and Gardner Jr. in the coming months, working to solidify their positions as top contenders for the elite 2027 prospects.

The takeaway

Arizona's early pursuit of Wabbington and Gardner Jr. demonstrates the program's commitment to maintaining its status as a national powerhouse. Landing these top-tier recruits would give the Wildcats a strong foundation for the 2027 season and beyond.