March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cI was kind of torn,\u201d Carter said. \u201cBut at the end of the day, Arizona is a complete basketball squad. I just couldn\u2019t pick against them.\u201d<\/p>\n
McGrady agreed with his cousin, saying Arizona\u2019s resume and consistency throughout the season was tough to argue against. Though he praised programs like UConn under Dan Hurley and Houston\u2019s defensive identity under Kelvin Sampson, McGrady said Arizona\u2019s cohesion stood out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve watched Arizona this year,\u201d McGrady said. \u201cThey\u2019re tough. They\u2019ve beaten some really good teams. I\u2019m going with Arizona. I think we\u2019re all locked in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anthony offered perhaps the most detailed breakdown, highlighting Arizona\u2019s production. He noted the Wildcats\u2019 ability to score from multiple positions, rebound effectively and maintain balance across the lineup.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve got four or five guys averaging in double figures,\u201d Anthony said. \u201cThey rebound, they defend, and they\u2019ve got experience. To me, they\u2019re the most complete team in the tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n
More:\u00a0Percy ‘Master P’ Miller reportedly interested in Arizona State job<\/a><\/p>\nAnthony also acknowledged the difficult path ahead but believes Arizona is equipped to handle it. \u201cIt\u2019s their turn,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Arizona enters March Madness with both momentum and high-profile belief behind it. However, they’re going up against history. No team west of Kansas has taken home a title since 1998.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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