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The Arizona Wildcats Forward, Carter Bryant is the latest example of a player who has embraced the grind and is now reaping the rewards. After arriving in Tucson as a 5-star prospect, Bryant has steadily carved out a meaningful role in the rotation, thanks to his relentless work ethic on and off the court and impactful play on both ends of the court.
Early Season Adjustments
Transitioning from high school basketball to the college level is no easy feat, but Carter Bryant, no stranger to tough competition, quickly realized he needed to elevate his game to earn time on the floor. Early in the season, he averaged around 14 minutes per game, but his recent performances have increased that to approximately 16 minutes per game, with his role and responsibilities remaining consistent. Bryant’s best game came against a formidable Cincinnati team, where he logged 14 minutes and delivered an impressive 15 points on perfect shooting (5-5 FG, 3-3 from beyond the arc), along with 4 rebounds.
Earning More Minutes
Bryant’s versatility is what truly sets him apart. Standing at approximately 6’9″, he boasts a smooth perimeter game and exceptional ball skills, complemented by world-class athleticism. This combination makes him a nightmare matchup in Arizona’s big-to-big offensive scheme, which head coach Tommy Lloyd loves to deploy.
Defensive Versatility
Bryant is a highly versatile and tenacious defender, boasting exceptional physical attributes and a high basketball IQ, His commitment to defense has been a game-changer for Arizona, giving the team the flexibility to disrupt opposing offenses. . Standing every bit of 6’9″ with long arms and broad shoulders, he combines his impressive measurements with excellent defensive fundamentals. His footwork, latertal quickness is precise, his hands are quick, and he demonstrates a deep understanding of how to disrupt and challenge his assignments, consistently making life difficult for opposing players. This is a player who can seamlessly guard positions 1 through 4 without any significant drop-off, making him an exceptionally intriguing prospect at the next level. His versatility and ability to defend multiple positions at a high level add tremendous value on both ends of the floor, making it nearly impossible for Lloyd to keep him off the court.
Plug-and-Play Offensive Style
Offensively, Bryant has embraced a plug-and-play style that perfectly complements Arizona’s up-tempo system. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, thriving as a cutter, a spot-up shooter, and offensive rebounding threat.I’m quite familiar with Bryant’s game, and I believe there are several untapped aspects of his skill set that can be developed further. For instance, he has the potential to be utilized as a ball-handler and initiator, as well as playing either the ball-handler or screener role in pick-and-roll scenarios. He could excel by short rolling, diving hard to the rim as a lob threat, or even popping out for a jump shot from range, similar to how Keshad Johnson was utilized last season. His ability to read defenses and make timely cuts has led to easy baskets, while his unselfish play has helped keep the offense flowing smoothly.
Bryant’s basketball IQ and willingness to play within the system have also made him a favorite among his teammates. He just knows how to make the right play!
Positive Impact on the Wildcats
The Wildcats’ recent success has been bolstered by Bryant’s emergence as a reliable contributor. While his numbers might not jump off the stat sheet, his impact is undeniable. Arizona’s defensive efficiency has improved since Bryant began playing more significant minutes, and his ability to fill various roles on offense has helped the team maintain its rhythm even when key players are resting.
As the Wildcats head into the latter half of the season, Bryant’s continued growth will be a critical factor in their pursuit of conference and postseason success. His journey from a lightly used freshman to a trusted member of the rotation is a testament to his work ethic and determination.
The Future is Bright
This could very well be a short stay for Mr. Bryant in Tucson. His continued impressive play has drawn significant attention from NBA scouts, and his draft stock is on a rapid rise. With his skill set, athleticism, and ability on both sides of the ball, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him jump up the draft board. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could find himself climbing even higher on draft boards, making the leap to the NBA sooner rather than later. Bryant’s potential to transition seamlessly into the professional level makes him a player to watch closely as the season progresses.