Arizona alumni Caleb Love and Carter Bryant are making a significant impact at the NBA2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, showcasing their skills and potential for future NBA careers.
Caleb Love, who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, has emerged as a standout player for the Portland Trail Blazers. In his first two games, he has shown impressive scoring ability, netting 18 points in both outings. His shooting efficiency is noteworthy, particularly in his debut against Golden State where he went 7 of 16 from the field and hit four 3-pointers. In a more challenging game against Memphis, Love maintained his scoring prowess despite shooting 3 for 9 from beyond the arc.
Love attributes his smooth transition to the professional level to the training he received at the University of Arizona under coach Tommy Lloyd. He emphasized the similarities between the concepts taught in college and what he’s experiencing in the NBA. His performance is a testament to the hard work he has put in and the preparation he received from the Arizona program.
On the defensive front, Carter Bryant is making waves as well. Drafted 14th overall by the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant has quickly gained recognition for his defensive tenacity, particularly in his matchups against other top-tier rookies. His defensive display against the number one overall pick, Cooper Flagg, highlighted his capabilities, although his offensive performance has been a struggle as he has yet to make a field goal in two games.
Other Arizona alumni are also participating in the Summer League, further emphasizing the program’s strong representation. Christian Koloko had a solid outing for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting. Former teammates Pelle Larsson and Keshad Johnson are also working hard with the Miami team, with Larsson scoring 16 points in a recent game.
The performances of Caleb Love and Carter Bryant not only shine a light on their individual talents but also reflect positively on the Arizona basketball program’s ability to prepare players for the challenges of professional basketball. The hope is that these early successes in Las Vegas will lead to promising careers for both athletes in the NBA.