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Arizona’s MOST Underrated Player? Ivan Kharchenkov Explains KEY Role In Arizona’s Elite Defense

Kevin Thomas Avatar
February 5, 2026
The Arizona Wildcats have the 2nd best defense in the country according to KenPom. One of the primary reasons their perimeter defense is so strong is the addition of German wing Ivan Kharchenkov. Kharchenkov has taken Arizona's defense from really strong to suffocating. Playing alongside Motiejus Krivas, Koa Peat, Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley has only amplified his defensive skills. Kharchenkov joins the show to talk defense, communication on that end, Nintendo DS pictures, and MORE on the pod PLUS! Erika Day joins the show to talk Arizona WBB as Becky Burke got her second conference win. Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!

The Wildcats have the 2nd best defense in the country according to KenPom. One of the primary reasons their perimeter defense is so strong is the addition of German wing Ivan Kharchenkov. Kharchenkov has taken the defense from really strong to suffocating. Playing alongside Motiejus Krivas, Koa Peat, Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley has only amplified his defensive skills.

Arizona’s defense with ivan Kharchenkov and more

Kharchenkov joins the show to talk defense, communication on that end, Nintendo DS pictures, and MORE on the pod

PLUS! Erika Day joins the show to talk Arizona WBB as Becky Burke got her second conference win.

Join Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas on the AZ Wildcats Podcast!

0:00 – Welcome to the show!
3:00 – Ivan Kharchenkov interview
22:00 – Takeaways from Kharchenkov
29:00 – Arizona WBB vibes are GREAT
54:30 – Ja Morant?!
1:07:00 – Baseball and Softball updates!

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