Arizona Wildcats Receive Major Caleb Love Decision

The Arizona Wildcats lineup is going to look a little different in the 2024-25 season than it did in 2023-24. But, one piece that will be familiar is Caleb Love in the backcourt. On Wednesday, he announced that he would be withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft and returning to school.

“Wildcat Nation, it’s been so amazing the way you’ve welcomed me and showered me with love,” he said, via a vidoe on social media. “There’s no way I can walk away from that right now. The show goes on.” (H/T ESPN)

This is major news for the Arizona Wildcats. They already lost Pelle Larsson to the NBA Draft earlier in the spring, while starters Kylan Boswell and Oumar Ballo both hit the transfer portal after the season.

After spending his first three seasons at North Carolina, Caleb Love transferred to Arizona last season. He is coming off a very productive season, setting several career highs in the process. 

Caleb Love averaged 18 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists and was named the PAC-12 Player of the Year. A spot on the third-team All-America was also earned, as he set career highs in points, rebounds and field goal percentage.

This is the second player that the Arizona Wildcats will be getting back after withdrawing from the NBA Draft. Rising sophomore KJ Lewis made the same decision earlier this month, giving Tommy Lloyd one of the most talented perimeter trios in college basketball.

Those two will combine with Jaden Bradley at the guard spots. Transfer Anthony Dell’Oroso will also help on the perimeter after committing from Campbell. In the frontcourt, the biggest addition is Trey Townsend.

Townsend was Player of the Year in the Horizon League with Oakland. He will be a focal point offensively for the team helping replace Ballo in the frontcourt. Alas, the news of Caleb Love’s return wasn’t all positive for the program.

With him coming back, two recruits opted to de-commit from the Arizona Wildcats. Joson Sanon, a top-25 recruit, will be heading to Arizona State instead. Top-50 recruit Jamari Phillips also de-committed from the program, but a new school has not yet been chosen.