Arizona is 11-0 to begin a season for the first time since 2021-22 after their 23 point win over San Diego State. The Wildcats now are tied for the third longest active winning streak in the nation, behind only Miami (OH)’s 12 wins and Nebraska’s 15. It was the immense strength of Arizona’s front court that pushed them over the edge against the Aztecs in what was a physical, low-scoring and tough affair. This win was Arizona’s sixth consecutive win with a differential of 20 or more points. The last game Arizona did not win by 20 or more points was UConn over a month ago.

Tobe Awaka. That’s it.

Tobe Awaka is one of the nation’s best rebounders and it shows every time he takes the floor for Arizona. The former Tennessee big-man collected nine points and 15 rebounds in this game, falling just one point shy of his third double-double on the season. This was his fifth game this year tallying ten or more rebounds.

The impact Awaka brings off the bench is special and unique to only this Arizona team. No other team in the country can claim to have the nation’s most productive rebounder in their bench unit. The Wildcats’ uniquely deep front-court allows Awaka to impact the game within its flow rather than forcing anything, showcasing his full skillset.

His overall body of work at this point has Arizona fans wondering if he can become a player at the NBA level. Only time will tell but almost every college player that makes it to the NBA has one thing in common – they have at least one elite or NBA level trait entering the league. Awaka is not just an elite rebounder, he is an all-time great rebounder at the college level.

Wake Them Up In February

Arizona sports an undefeated record 11 games into the season and has yet to play their best basketball. Its star freshmen class is only going to continue to grow, develop and impact the game at a higher level. The Wildcats are still in a phase of growth a development on the court. The rotation of eight players seems to be set at this point in the season and Arizona is focused on becoming the best version of itself at the right time.

February will be pivotal for Arizona’s Big 12 title hopes as the Wildcats face a brutal schedule, consisting of Kansas (twice), Texas Tech, BYU, Houston and Baylor.

It stands to reason that if the Cats are able to reach their true potential, the team could become something that fans have not seen since the late 90’s (*wink*). This elite non-conference has only been an amuse-bouche for the Big 12 season. Right now, they are on track to wake up at the perfect time.

Can the Arizona stay perfect?

Next, the Wildcats will face Bethune-Cookman and South Dakota State to round out non-conference play. The Cats’ Big 12 season will open up with a trip to Utah to face first year head coach Alex Jensen and his Utes team.

How long can the Cats remain perfect? To keep up, tune into the AZ Wildcats Podcast hosted by Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas.