The Windy City has a way of sorting out pretenders from contenders, and for Arizona star Koa Peat, this week at the NBA Draft Combine has been anything but a slam dunk. The All-Big 12 forward arrived in Chicago hoping to lock in his status as a late lottery pick—or at least a guaranteed first-round selection. Instead, a shaky showing has turned what seemed like a surefire jump to the pros into one of the most compelling stay-or-go decisions of the 2026 offseason.

The buzz around Peat took a hit after Monday's workouts, where his jumper—a key area of concern for scouts—looked noticeably different. With a new release point that appeared "wonky" to some NBA decision-makers in attendance, it was a far cry from the smooth form he flashed during his time with the Wildcats. For a prospect already considered one of the most polarizing in this year's class, it only added fuel to the fire.

If Peat decides to return to Arizona, the bruising forward would instantly become a Preseason All-America candidate and give the Wildcats the firepower to chase another Final Four run. But for now, he's keeping his cards close to the vest. "Just trying to shoot the ball the same way every time," Peat said Wednesday. "I'm working with Chris Johnson, and I feel like my workouts are going good. I didn't shoot well on Monday, but that's how shooting goes some days."

Despite the shooting struggles, Peat's game isn't built on jumpers alone. The NBA craves power and physicality—especially in the playoffs, where brawn often decides the outcome—and Peat delivers in spades. He's explosive in the short-roll game, violent as a finisher, and showed promising vision with a 1.6-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. "I feel like I can be a point-forward type player at the next level," Peat said. "Making the right reads. I feel like I'm a good connector as well."

Still, the concerns around his jumper are real, and in a draft class that's already considered watered down in the first round, Peat has become a fit-dependent option—a precarious spot for any prospect. For now, his focus remains on the NBA, but the possibility of pulling a U-turn and returning to Tucson is very much alive. Whether he stays or goes, Peat's decision will ripple through the 2026-27 college basketball landscape and shape the draft board for months to come.