The Arizona Wildcats have once again secured a top spot in the men’s NCAA Tournament, with Caleb Love leading the charge as a fresh face with a wealth of NCAA Tournament experience.
Love, in his fourth season of college basketball, has emerged as a pivotal leader for the Wildcats, who have clinched the No. 2 seed in the West region of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. His exceptional play has earned him the title of Pac-12 Player of the Year, with teammates and head coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledging him as the team’s standout player. Lloyd expressed his admiration for Love, highlighting his invaluable experience and expressing his fortune in having Love on the team.
For those curious about the Arizona star guard, Caleb Love hails from St. Louis and showcased his talent at Christian Brothers College High School. In his senior year, he averaged impressive stats and was recognized as the 2020 Gatorade High School Player of the Year in Missouri, in addition to being a 2020 McDonald’s All-American.
Before joining the Wildcats, Love spent three seasons with the North Carolina Tar Heels, making a significant impact. His first season saw him named an ACC All-Freshman selection. By his second season, Love had become a key player for North Carolina, particularly during their Final Four run. His performance peaked in the 2022-23 season, where he posted some of his best statistics before departing from the Tar Heels.
Love’s prowess was especially notable during the 2022 NCAA Tournament, where he played a crucial role in North Carolina’s journey to the national championship game. Despite a challenging game against Baylor in the second round, Love’s performances in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight were instrumental in advancing the Tar Heels. His remarkable effort continued in the Final Four against Duke, where he led his team to victory and ended Mike Krzyzewski’s coaching career. Although North Carolina did not win the championship, Love’s contributions were undeniable.
In his debut season with Arizona, Love has continued to excel, leading the team into the NCAA Tournament with a 25-8 record. His stats nearly surpass his career highs, further solidifying his status as Pac-12 Player of the Year.
Looking ahead, Love and the Wildcats are set to face No. 15 Long Beach State in the NCAA Tournament. The game is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The victor will advance to play against the winner of the No. 7 Dayton vs. No. 10 Nevada matchup.