There are several players on the Arizona Wildcats that could create a big challenge for the Michigan Wolverines as the No. 1 seeds battle in the Final Four on Saturday. Here are some names to know that Michigan will be tasked with slowing down.
Brayden Burries (freshman guard)
Arizona isn’t a prolific three-point shooting team, but Burries is the most dangerous threat from beyond the arc, scoring a team-high 17.8 points per game on a red-hot 13-for-19 shooting from three-point territory in the NCAA Tournament. Burries is a very polished
and smooth scorer that excels in transition. If there’s one player Michigan must find a way to limit, it’s Burries.
Koa Peat (freshman forward)
In addition to Burries, the Wildcats have another freshman phenom in Peat. He has been good throughout the season, but he’s turned it up a notch recently as well, taking over the last two games by erupting for 20.5 points per game on an ultra-efficient 17-for-29 from the field. Peat’s blend of athleticism, physicality and skill will be a tough test for Michigan.
Jaden Bradley (senior guard)
Even though he doesn’t always put up gaudy numbers, Jaden Bradley is a great leader, defender and playmaker that is a catalyst for Arizona on both ends of the floor. Bradley can certainly do damage as a scorer – averaging 13.3 points on 39.4 percent shooting from three-point range. If the game comes down to the wire, he’s shown the ability to take and make big-time shots.
Motiejus Krivas (junior center)
Arizona is essentially the only team in the country that can rival Michigan’s front court with length, size, strength and versatility, and Krivas’ presence is a huge reason why. Krivas is 7-foot-2 and 260 pounds, and is one of the Big 12’s best rebounders and rim protectors. Most teams don’t have anybody that can neutralize Aday Mara, but Krivas gives Arizona just that.
Ivan Kharchenkov (freshman forward)
Despite not getting the same recognition as his fellow freshman teammates, Kharchenkov can’t be overlooked. Kharchenkov is easily one of the best on-ball defenders in the nation and he’ll likely be matched up with Yaxel Lendeborg for most of the game. Michigan needs Lendeborg to continue to play at a high level, so Kharchenkov’s defense will be a big factor in the matchup.
Anthony Dell’Orso (senior guard)
In each of the last two Final Four appearances, Michigan allowed a player to come off the bench and totally change the game — Louisville’s Luke Hancock scored 22 points (2013) and Villanova’s Donte Divincenzo went off for a career-high 31 points (2018). This time around, Dell’Orso could be a guy that brings a boost off the bench – scoring 16+ points seven times this year.
