Arizona reaches Final Four, thrilling historic alum

Jaden Bradley proud to reward Wildcats' storied program with another deep tournament run.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:28pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a college basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the cardinal red and navy blue colors of the Arizona Wildcats.Arizona's return to the Final Four after a 25-year drought is a triumph for the program's storied history and passionate fan base.Tucson Today

For the first time since 2001, the University of Arizona men's basketball team has reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. Star player Jaden Bradley spoke about the significance of this accomplishment for the program's historic alumni and passionate fan base in Tucson.

Why it matters

Arizona is one of college basketball's most prestigious programs, with a rich history of success that includes a national championship in 1997. Reaching the Final Four for the first time in over 20 years is a major milestone that will energize the team's loyal supporters and cement the Wildcats' status as an elite national power.

The details

In the Elite Eight matchup against Purdue, Bradley played a key role, scoring 14 points and playing strong defense on Boilermakers guard Braden Smith. Arizona's balanced attack, with four starters scoring in double figures, helped the team secure the victory and advance to the national semifinals.

  • Arizona last reached the Final Four in 2001.
  • The Wildcats won the national title in 1997.

The players

Jaden Bradley

A star player for the Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, Bradley played a crucial role in leading the team to the Final Four for the first time in over two decades.

Braden Smith

The standout guard for the Purdue Boilermakers, who Bradley and the Arizona defense had to contain in the Elite Eight matchup.

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who has worked to uphold the program's storied tradition and guide the team back to the Final Four.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely know the history. Arizona is a great, you know, athletic school. Coach Murph does a great job. I feel like every year I've been here just telling us the history, knowing the players that came before us, even the managers and everybody that came before us, the coaches. So knowing the history, I feel like just they're going to tell us even if you don't want to hear it.”

— Jaden Bradley, Arizona Basketball Player

“Making it to the Final Four is big. We appreciate Tucson, the supporters, and everybody behind the scenes. We just are happy that we get to reward them with this.”

— Jaden Bradley, Arizona Basketball Player

What’s next

Arizona will face the winner of the other Elite Eight matchup in the Final Four, with a chance to advance to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Arizona's return to the Final Four after a 25-year drought is a testament to the program's storied history and the dedication of its current players and coaches. This achievement will energize the team's passionate fan base in Tucson and cement the Wildcats' status as one of college basketball's elite programs.