Arizona Basketball Defeated San Francisco in Exhibition
Arizona secured a dominant 93-69 win as Bryce James made his first career start for the team.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you plan to follow the performance of top-ranked college basketball freshmen this season?
Arizona defeated San Francisco 93-69 in a recent exhibition basketball game. The matchup featured the first career start for Bryce James, who recorded three points and one steal in 14 minutes of play.
Why it matters
The exhibition allowed head coach Tommy Lloyd to test his rotation and evaluate the impact of new players like James and Caleb Holt on the court. Managing these minutes early in the season is a priority for the team as they look ahead to their upcoming non-conference schedule.
Caleb Holt led the effort with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and three steals, shooting 6-of-10 from the field. He added four-of-four from the free throw line in his 28 minutes of action.
The players
Bryce James
He is a rising basketball talent who committed to the Arizona program on January 1, 2025.
Caleb Holt
He is a standout player for Arizona who is currently projected to be an early selection in the 2027 NBA Draft.
Tommy Lloyd
He serves as the head coach for the Arizona basketball team and is responsible for managing player rotations.
RJ Godfrey
He is a power forward for the team whose participation in upcoming games depends on his medical clearance.
The details
Bryce James earned his first start alongside Caleb Holt, Motiejus Krivas, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Derek Dixon, contributing a corner 3-pointer to his stat line. Holt showcased his versatility by creating separation against his defender using his size to secure a transition bucket.
Timeline
January 1, 2025: Bryce James committed to Arizona.
October 13, 2026: Arizona played San Francisco.
October 16, 2026: Arizona plays San Diego State.
October 23, 2026: Arizona plays Eastern Washington.
April 2026: Koa Peat and Brayden Burries were drafted.
The Big Picture
Caleb Holt's performance serves as an early indicator of his development as he positions himself for the 2027 NBA Draft. This trajectory follows the recent professional paths of former standouts like Koa Peat and Brayden Burries.
Caleb Holt is emerging as a primary scoring threat, recording 17 points and proving his efficiency with a 6-of-10 shooting performance. With RJ Godfrey currently sidelined, Holt's ability to maintain these numbers will be critical for the team's offensive rhythm.
The takeaway
Coach Tommy Lloyd is using these early games to evaluate rotation depth before the regular season schedule intensifies. Fans should monitor the injury status of RJ Godfrey, as his return could significantly shift the team's defensive and rebounding structure.
What happens next
Arizona is scheduled to play San Diego State on October 16, 2026, followed by a matchup against Eastern Washington on October 23, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, check out the Tucson Basketball page.
Live Poll
Do you plan to follow the performance of top-ranked college basketball freshmen this season?
