Motiejus Krivas: Arizona's NBA Draft Prospect Compared to Sabonis

March Madness has a way of turning promising players into household names, and in 2026, one towering figure is capturing the attention of college basketball fans and NBA scouts alike. Motiejus Krivas, the 7-foot-2 junior center for the Arizona Wildcats, has burst into the national spotlight during Arizona's NCAA Tournament run — and a bold comparison from his head coach has the basketball world buzzing.

When Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd likened Krivas to NBA legend Arvydas Sabonis after the Wildcats' first-round tournament win over Long Island on March 22, 2026, search interest in the Lithuanian big man exploded overnight. The comparison wasn't just flattering — it was a statement. Sabonis is widely considered one of the greatest centers in basketball history. So who exactly is Motiejus Krivas, and does he live up to the hype?

Who Is Motiejus Krivas? The Lithuanian Big Man Taking Over the NCAA Tournament

Motiejus Krivas is a junior center from Lithuania who stands at an imposing 7 feet 2 inches — a rare size even in the modern game. Playing for the Arizona Wildcats under head coach Tommy Lloyd, Krivas has quietly developed into one of college basketball's most intriguing big men. As Arizona Sports detailed in a March 26 feature, Krivas has evolved from a slow-burn prospect into a genuine two-way talent whose impact goes well beyond the box score.

This season, Krivas averages 10.5 points per game on an efficient 58.2% shooting from the field, along with 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He's Arizona's fourth-leading scorer, but his value to the team extends far deeper than his scoring output. His presence in the paint alters shots, protects the rim, and gives Arizona a physical anchor that few teams in college basketball can match.

The Sabonis Comparison: What Tommy Lloyd Said and Why It Matters

After Arizona's first-round NCAA Tournament victory over Long Island, coach Tommy Lloyd did not hold back in his praise. In comments that quickly went viral, Lloyd publicly compared Krivas to Arvydas Sabonis — the Hall of Fame Lithuanian center who starred in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers and is considered one of the most skilled big men of all time. Yahoo Sports covered the lofty comparison and the immediate reaction it generated across the basketball world.

The parallel isn't arbitrary. Like Sabonis, Krivas is a European big man with high basketball IQ, soft hands, and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. The Sabonis comparison speaks to a player who doesn't just score — he reads the game, passes, and defends at a level unusual for a player his size. For a coaching staff that has developed numerous NBA prospects, Lloyd's words carry weight.

"The comparison to Sabonis is about more than size — it's about intelligence, versatility, and the kind of two-way impact that translates to the next level." — Tommy Lloyd (paraphrased from post-game remarks)

Dominant Defense: How Krivas Anchors the Arizona Wildcats

One of the most telling statistics about Krivas's defensive impact is a team-level number: Arizona forces opponents to shoot 2-pointers an average of 7.0 feet from the rim, the 11th highest mark in all of Division I. That kind of rim protection doesn't happen by accident — it requires a dominant interior presence that makes opposing offenses think twice before attacking the basket.

In the first-round NCAA Tournament win over Long Island, Krivas posted four blocks, a signature performance that underlined exactly why scouts and coaches have been paying close attention all season. His combination of length, timing, and defensive positioning makes him a nightmare for opposing big men to operate against.

According to reports ahead of Arizona's Round of 32 matchup against Utah State, both Krivas and teammate Kharchenkov were prepared and confident going into the next round — a sign that the tournament experience is not overwhelming this veteran squad.

NBA Draft Stock: Is Motiejus Krivas a Future Pro?

The question on every scout's mind heading into March 2026 was straightforward: Is Motiejus Krivas an NBA Draft pick? USA Today examined his NBA Draft prospects in depth ahead of the tournament, and the analysis painted a picture of a player whose ceiling is difficult to cap.

At 7-foot-2, Krivas offers the kind of size that never goes out of style in the NBA. His 58.2% field goal percentage demonstrates elite efficiency around the basket, and his rebounding and shot-blocking numbers project well to the professional level. Notably, he has taken only 12 three-point attempts this season, making four of them — a small sample that nonetheless hints at potential range that could make him even more dangerous as a pro.

As MSN Sports noted, Arizona's NBA Draft prospect pool is growing rapidly, with Krivas emerging alongside teammate Koa Peat as legitimate professional prospects. For a program that has consistently developed NBA talent under Tommy Lloyd, Krivas fits a familiar profile — a skilled, intelligent big man who gets better as the game slows down around him.

The factors working in his favor for the draft:

• Elite size — 7-foot-2 centers with mobility are extremely rare and highly coveted
• Shooting efficiency — 58.2% from the field suggests an advanced feel for the game near the basket
• Rim protection — 1.8 blocks per game, with the ability to deter even more shots through presence alone
• European basketball IQ — Lithuanian big men have a long tradition of translating well to professional play
• Untapped offensive range — limited three-point attempts suggest upside yet to be unlocked

Arizona's NCAA Tournament Run: What's at Stake for Krivas

The NCAA Tournament is the ultimate audition for NBA hopefuls, and Krivas is making the most of his moment. Arizona's first-round demolition of Long Island set the stage for a Round of 32 matchup against Utah State — a stiffer test that would reveal even more about Krivas's ability to perform when the competition intensifies.

Tournament basketball rewards exactly the qualities Krivas possesses: physicality, composure, and the ability to impact the game without necessarily dominating the box score. His four blocks against Long Island were the highlight, but his rebounding, screen-setting, and defensive positioning throughout the game demonstrated a complete player who understands his role and executes it at a high level.

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The Big Picture: Arizona's Legacy of Developing International Talent

Tommy Lloyd's program has become a destination for international talent, and Krivas is the latest example of why. Lloyd himself spent years coaching overseas and has an unparalleled ability to identify and develop players from European basketball cultures. The Sabonis comparison reflects not just what Krivas does on the court today, but what Lloyd believes he can become.

Lithuania, in particular, has produced a remarkable lineage of elite basketball talent — from the Sabonis dynasty to current NBA players who have emerged from the country's rigorous youth programs. Krivas grew up in this tradition, developing the fundamentals, footwork, and decision-making that make European big men so appealing to professional franchises.

As he continues his junior season deep into March, every game adds to a scouting tape that is already generating serious NBA attention. Whether he declares for the draft after this season or returns for his senior year, Motiejus Krivas has firmly established himself as one of college basketball's most fascinating players in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motiejus Krivas

How tall is Motiejus Krivas?

Motiejus Krivas stands at 7 feet 2 inches, making him one of the tallest centers currently playing in Division I college basketball.

What are Motiejus Krivas's stats for the 2025-26 season?

In the 2025-26 season, Krivas averages 10.5 points per game on 58.2% shooting, along with 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He is Arizona's fourth-leading scorer this season.

Why did Tommy Lloyd compare Krivas to Arvydas Sabonis?

After Arizona's first-round NCAA Tournament win over Long Island on March 22, 2026, Tommy Lloyd made the comparison to highlight Krivas's combination of size, skill, basketball intelligence, and two-way impact — qualities that defined Sabonis's legendary career.

Will Motiejus Krivas be drafted by an NBA team?

Krivas is considered a legitimate NBA Draft prospect based on his size, efficiency, and defensive impact. USA Today analyzed his draft prospects, noting that his unique combination of attributes makes him an intriguing prospect, though his draft positioning will depend in part on how he performs during the remainder of the NCAA Tournament.

Where is Motiejus Krivas from?

Motiejus Krivas is from Lithuania, a country with a rich basketball tradition that has produced several NBA players over the decades, most notably the legendary Arvydas Sabonis — the very player his coach has now compared him to.

Conclusion: A Star Is Rising in Tucson

Motiejus Krivas arrived at Arizona as a slow-burn prospect. In March 2026, he has become one of the most talked-about players in the NCAA Tournament. His dominant first-round performance, the viral Sabonis comparison from Tommy Lloyd, and his quietly excellent season statistics have combined to put him squarely on the national radar — and on the radar of NBA front offices around the league.

At 7-foot-2 with elite efficiency, strong rebounding, and the shot-blocking ability to anchor an elite defense, Krivas represents the kind of talent that translates across levels of play. Whether Arizona makes a deep tournament run or not, the basketball world has been introduced to a player who will be discussed for years to come. For fans of the game, Motiejus Krivas is exactly the kind of discovery that makes March Madness worth watching.