Suns rookie Koa Peat honors family with NBA jersey number selection

After wearing the same jersey number in high school and in college, rookie Koa Peat will have a new look on the court next season with the Phoenix Suns. Peat wore No. 10 in four years at Perry High School, approximately 30 miles away from the Suns' home at Matchup Mortgage Center. He also wore it la

Basketball Zone

SEE ALL

Trendline

Chicago Sky's Natasha Cloud Addresses Confrontation with Enes Kanter Freedom, Emphasizes Women's Issues

Duke Wire

Jayson Tatum links with legendary UFC fighter during NBA offseason

Arizona Republic

Phoenix Mercury sees younger players develop ahead of World Cup break

What is the story about?

After wearing the same jersey number in high school and in college, rookie Koa Peat will have a new look on the court next season with the Phoenix Suns.

Peat wore No. 10 in four years at Perry High School, approximately 30 miles away from the Suns' home at Matchup Mortgage Center. He also wore it last season as a freshman at Arizona, helping the Wildcats to the Final Four for the first time since 2001.

Upon joining the Suns as the 30th overall pick, Peat was forced to make a change since No. 10 is currently occupied by second-year center Khaman Maluach. He opted for No. 18 as a nod to his family.

"I got six siblings plus my two parents," Peat said last month when asked about the significance of his new jersey number, via the NBA on X. "That's eight.

Plus me, 18."

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 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 last month, including 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 August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA