Koa Peat returns to Phoenix for his next basketball journey with Suns

PHOENIX – Former Arizona high school basketball star and Phoenix native Koa Peat was just 10 years old when the Suns drafted Devin Booker. As a young fan, he attended the first game of the 2021 NBA Finals between the Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. 

“I remember those days seeing the team compete and seeing the team win,” Peat said at his introductory news conference on Friday at the Suns’ practice facility. “Seeing the crowd be involved with the team was super special and this is a super special place to be.”

Five years later, Peat will have the chance to play in front of that very same crowd. The Suns selected the Gilbert Perry High School graduate and University of Arizona standout with the last pick (No. 30) of the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. 

“We’re so excited about this opportunity to bring this young man into our franchise,” Suns GM Brian Gregory said. “Winning is really important. You have to continue to bring in guys that know what winning’s all about.” 

It’s a full-circle moment for Peat and his family. His father Todd is a former NFL offensive lineman who played with the Phoenix Cardinals in the 80s. 

“His family has built an amazing athletic legacy here in the Valley and throughout the country,” Gregory said. “They’re ingrained in the Valley which is a unique situation for us and one that we’re very excited about. This community already has an unbelievable bond with Koa.” 

Peat’s resume so far in his young career is filled with nothing but winning. During his four seasons at Perry, Peat led the school to state championships in each one, while simultaneously capturing four gold medals with Team USA at the FIBA World Cup. 

“When he has a goal or a dream like being in the NBA, nothing is going to stop him,” said Sam Duane Jr., Peat’s high school coach. “He sacrificed a lot growing up. You have to give credit for the work that he’s put in to make himself the player he is.”  

Following his decorated high school career, Peat signed to play for coach Tommy Lloyd at the University of Arizona. He helped guide the Wildcats to one of their best seasons in program history as they won 36 games this past season en route to their first Final Four appearance since 2001. 

“Koa’s value is a lot higher than the number he got picked at,” Lloyd said. “If you’re basing this draft on impact on winning, Koa to me is a guy that’s a top-10 type pick.” 

Peat’s presence at both Arizona and Perry was felt mostly in the paint. The Wildcats sported one of college basketball’s most physical frontcourts, thanks in large part to the 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward’s services. 

“He’s gifted with his body,” Duane said. “He probably plays with more force than any player I’ve ever had. Some of his dunks in practice, the ball would go through, hit the floor and bounce almost back up to the rim.”

The Suns entered the 2026 NBA Draft without a first-round pick but acquired the 30th selection in a four-team deal involving the Lakers, Knicks and Mavericks. The organization was determined to land Peat according to Lloyd. 

“They started to work trades for Koa a lot earlier than the 30th pick,” Lloyd said. “They really wanted him. Koa ended up in a situation where they want to rebuild with tough, hardworking, blue-collar kinda guys, and he fits that billing.” 

Gregory said Peat reflects the type of culture the Suns are trying to establish. 

“His work ethic, his character, his ability and desire to continue to improve,” Gregory said. “All of those things are important for where we’re at and where we want to get to.” 

Prior to the draft, speculation swirled regarding Peat’s potential landing spot. Many analysts initially believed Peat could be a lottery pick, but a shaky combine performance fueled concerns about his shooting and readiness for the league. It’s rumored Peat turned down a hefty NIL deal to return to Arizona. 

“I’m all about development. I’m 19 years old so there’s a lot I can grow into and get better at,” Peat said. “Talking with BG and coach about their player development, that’s the number one thing they harp on. I’m gonna come in here and work hard every day and try to get better as a young player.” 

Gregory believes Peat’s physicality and unique skill set will address on-court issues the team had a year ago. 

“The two key areas for us are defensive pressure and offensive rebounding,” Gregory said. “It’s an area that he’s really good at right now and he’s only going to get better at.”

Peat will jockey for minutes in the Suns’ frontcourt after the recent acquisition of Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets.  

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