The Arizona Wildcats continued their strong start to the 2025-26 season, improving to 11-0 following their 68-45 win against San Diego State on Saturday. Currently ranked the No. 1 team in the country, Arizona is showing no signs of slowing down.
Following the win, head coach Tommy Lloyd highlighted the impact of big man Tobe Awaka, comparing him to Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis. “To be honest with you, the only player you can compare him with, with how he impacts the game with effort and toughness is Domantas Sabonis,” Lloyd said, as reported by Arizona Sports. “I know Tobe’s put himself on people’s radars, the force he’s playing with and how much better he’s gotten.”
In the win against San Diego State, Awaka put up impressive numbers, finishing with nine points, 15 rebounds, and one assist in just 22 minutes of play. He shot an efficient 4-of-6 from the field.
Tommy Lloyd’s comparison carries weight, as he is familiar with both players. Lloyd coached Domantas Sabonis during his time as an assistant under Mark Few at Gonzaga.
Awaka is currently in his second season with Arizona after transferring from Tennessee, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons. Now a senior, he is posting some of the best numbers of his career. Awaka has appeared in all 11 games so far this season, starting each one and averaging just over 19 minutes per game.
He is averaging 9.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with shooting splits of 55.9% from the field and 63.2% from the free-throw line. With his consistent effort and growing impact, Awaka remains a key contributor to Arizona’s undefeated run this season.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-basketball/arizona-basketball-news-tobe-awaka-domantas-sabonis-tommy-lloyd