As the 30th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, rookie forward Koa Peat joins the Phoenix Suns after a productive freshman campaign at Arizona.
Peat was a third-team All-Big 12 selection last season, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 52.8% from the field in 36 games. He ranked fourth in the conference in field-goal percentage and 12th in field goals (200).
The 6-foot-8 Peat debuted with a 30-point performance on Nov. 3 in a win over No. 3 Florida, the second-most by a freshman in program history (Eric Money, 37; 1972). He was the first Big 12 player with at least 30 points and five assists in a debut.
Growing up just outside Phoenix, Peat played at Perry High School, about 30 miles from the Suns' home at Matchup
Mortgage Center, before committing to Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats. Peat has expressed excitement about joining his hometown team.
The 19-year-old logged four appearances with the Suns in summer league, averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 51% from the field. He scored 12 or more points in each game, highlighted by a 19-point effort on July 19.
Peat had the opportunity to log minutes with several teammates in game action and practice in summer league, including Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea. His exact role for next season is to be determined, but the organization is excited about his future.
Throughout September, Rookie Wire is compiling some of the most interesting facts about each first-round pick in an effort to further introduce the incoming draft class ahead of the 2026-27 season
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High School
Peat was the 2024-25 Gatorade Arizona Boys Basketball Player of the Year, finishing as a three-time winner at Perry High School. He led the Pumas to a 26-2 record and a third-straight Open State Tournament championship as a senior, averaging 18.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 blocks and one steal.
Family
Peat is one of seven children of Todd Sr. and Jana. His father was an All-American offensive lineman at Northern Illinois and played six years in the NFL with the St.Louis-Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Raiders. His mother played basketball, volleyball and softball in high school.
His oldest brother, Todd Jr., played football at Nebraska, Eastern Arizona College and Texas A&M-Commerce. Another brother, Andrus, announced his retirement in July after 10 years in the NFL, finishing as a three-time Pro Bowl tackle. His other siblings also all played college sports.
Koa
His mother is originally from Hawaii and met her husband in Arizona. Fittingly, she chose the name Koa, which means "strong warrior" in the Hawaiian language.
No. 18
Peat wore No. 10 in high school and in college. He had to change it because No. 10 is currently worn by second-year center Khaman Maluach. Peat chose No. 18 as a nod to his family.
"I got six siblings plus my two parents," Peat said in July when asked about the significance of his jersey number, via the NBA on X. "That's eight. Plus me, 18."
USA Basketball
Playing alongside the likes of AJ Dybantsa, Mikel Brown Jr. and Morez Johnson Jr., Peat helped USA Basketball win the gold medal at the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Sweden. He has won gold medals in three other tournaments and was even named the 2023 USA Basketball Male Player of the Year.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 5 fun facts: Get to know Suns rookie Koa Peat before 2026-27 season
