LAS VEGAS – The University of Arizona is no stranger to producing NBA players.
Going into the 2024-25 season, the school had 12 players suiting up across the league, fourth to only Kentucky, Duke and UCLA.
“We definitely respect the program there and the players that come through there,” Spurs Summer League coach Corliss Williamson said. “The guys that we have now are definitely a reflection of that.”
Two young former Wildcats took the court during the opening weekend of the 2026 NBA Summer League, looking to strengthen the school’s professional portfolio.
One was Spurs forward Carter Bryant, a 2025 first-round pick (No. 14) who is coming off a season in which he helped guide the Spurs to the NBA Finals.
Bryant bounced back from a shaky opening game against Atlanta, where he scored 12 points on just 4-of-13 shooting from the field. In game two against the defending champion Knicks, Bryant poured in 19 on 7-of-10 shooting and added two blocks.
“I think I did a better job in terms of just being under control,” Bryant said. “I think I showed flashes of what I’m capable of in the future, but I understand there’s a lot of work I have to do to get to that point.”
Williamson noted Bryant’s marked improvement over his opening-game performance.
“I thought he played a lot better this game,” Williamson said. “He had a better feel for the game tonight and he did a better job of getting downhill and being a leader out there. His main calling card is going to be on defense for us. He set the tone for us defensively by picking them up full court. We saw what we needed to see.”
Bryant said he’s “seeing the game super clearly,” but must improve his handle to take the next step in his development for the Spurs.
“When my teammates get open, this is such a high level that those windows are small,” Bryant said. “Getting shooters shots a second earlier makes a big difference.”
Another former Wildcat and Arizona high school basketball product greatly improved his performance his second time on the floor in Vegas.
“I thought I did my job well today,” said Hornets guard Kylan Boswell, who spent his first two collegiate seasons at Arizona before transferring to Illinois. “I facilitated, knocked down shots, guarded pretty well, so I think the biggest thing for me is just making sure my body’s right and being as confident as I can.”
Boswell, who spent a year at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler prior to his time in Tucson, was unable to crack the scoring column in the Hornets’ opening matchup against the Magic, but the undrafted free-agent signing bounced back with eight points on perfect shooting from the floor in game two against the Pelicans.
“He played great, I think he facilitated the game really well,” Boswell’s teammate Hannes Steinbach said. “He did a great job pressuring the ball on defense and played pretty good.”
Boswell commanded the Hornets offense, tallying seven assists without surrendering a turnover.
“I thought he played with more confidence and was more sure of himself,” Hornets Summer League coach Blaine Mueller said. “He was really aggressive in transition, had some nice tough finishes and found guys on the perimeter.”
Boswell credits the development of his point guard skills and floor processing ability to his time at Arizona.
“I think just learning basic fundamentals as a point guard helped translate throughout the years,” Boswell said. “Arizona’s offense is big on kick-aheads, and I think it helped me grow my fundamentals being a college point guard and that’s helped translate to get to the league.”
Bryant and Boswell weren’t the only hoopers with Arizona ties who made their presence known in Vegas.
Arthur Kaluma, a Boston native and second-year player, moved from Texas to Glendale to play for Dream City Christian in high school. He tallied 34 points and made six 3-pointers against the Mavericks in his second outing of the summer for the Lakers.
“After having a year under my belt, I feel a lot more comfortable out there,” Kaluma told reporters postgame. “People come to Summer League for an opportunity. Just being able to come out here and perform at this level has been amazing.”
The night before against the Thunder, Kaluma scored 18 and didn’t miss a shot from deep, the field or the three throw line.
“The shot was just falling today,” Kaluma said. “My game is three and D. I lock up on defense, I hit open shots. I just got hot today, and I’m going to try not to let it get to my head.”
Whether they came from the high school or collegiate ranks, Arizona hoopers continue to make a name for themselves at the highest levels.
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