Arizona's Jaden Bradley emerges as Big 12 Player of Year candidate

Freshman point guard has led No. 1 Wildcats to strong start despite tough schedule ahead

Feb. 12, 2026 at 3:07am

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No. 1 Arizona has relied heavily on the play of star freshman point guard Jaden Bradley, who has emerged as a leading candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year. Bradley is averaging 19.7 points per game against ranked opponents, though he struggled in a recent loss at No. 9 Kansas. Despite the setback, Bradley's overall performance has been crucial to the Wildcats' success so far this season.

Why it matters

Bradley's breakout season has helped propel Arizona to the top of the Big 12 standings, though the Wildcats face a daunting schedule down the stretch with several games against ranked opponents. If Arizona can claim the Big 12 title, Bradley will be a major reason why, solidifying his case for conference player of the year honors.

The details

Against Kansas, Bradley went just 2-of-8 from the field and scored 6 points, but freshman Brayden Burries stepped up with 25 points to keep the Wildcats in the game. Arizona led by 11 in the second half but couldn't hold on, falling 82-78 to the Jayhawks, who improved to 40-0 in Big Monday games at home under coach Bill Self. The Wildcats were without potential top NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson, who missed the game due to flu-like symptoms.

  • On Monday, Arizona lost 82-78 at No. 9 Kansas.
  • Arizona has 8 games remaining, including 5 against ranked opponents.

The players

Jaden Bradley

A freshman point guard for the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats who has emerged as a leading candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year, averaging 19.7 points per game against ranked opponents.

Brayden Burries

An Arizona freshman who scored 25 points in the loss to Kansas, helping keep the Wildcats in the game despite Bradley's struggles.

Darryn Peterson

A potential top NBA draft pick who missed the Kansas game due to flu-like symptoms, leaving the Jayhawks without one of their top players.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who improved to 40-0 in Big Monday games at home under his leadership with the win over Arizona.

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who has praised Bradley's leadership and impact on the team's success this season.

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What they’re saying

“He's having a great year and he seems to be making all the right decisions. Today was another game where he put his marks on it when he had to, and then, when he didn't have to, he kind of gave a lot of space for the other guys to shine. And that just says a lot about him as a player and a person.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

“Our guys love JB [Bradley] and they all look up to him as a person and a player. So, when he does that, the unc of the group, you know, so to speak, I think the guys get pretty excited for him and it's fun to see.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, Arizona Wildcats

What’s next

Arizona faces a tough stretch run with 5 games against ranked opponents, including matchups with No. 13 Texas Tech, No. 16 BYU, No. 8 Houston, Kansas, and No. 7 Iowa State. If the Wildcats can claim the Big 12 title, Bradley's performance will be a major reason why.

The takeaway

Despite a rare off-night against Kansas, Jaden Bradley has proven himself to be an indispensable leader for the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats. His clutch play against ranked opponents has been crucial to the team's success, and he has emerged as a leading candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year honors.