Arizona’s men’s basketball program is set to reshape its backcourt this season, bringing in four new guards during the offseason.
The newcomers — transfers Derek Dixon and JJ Mandaquit, plus freshmen Cameron Holmes and Caleb Holt — will join returning standouts Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas, with late addition RJ Godfrey also in the mix.
Next week the Wildcats travel to Lithuania to face international competition, marking the first time the team will test its chemistry on foreign courts.
International Experience as a Catalyst
The upcoming Lithuanian series is more than a preseason tour; it offers the new guard corps a chance to gel under pressure and showcase the program’s growing global outlook.
With a blend of proven shooters, playmakers and versatile defenders, Arizona hopes the international exposure will accelerate chemistry and translate into a stronger performance when the regular season begins.
Cameron Holmes, a four‑star prospect from Goodyear, arrives as the highest‑ranked recruit of the class, while Dixon brings a 39.7 percent three‑point clip from his freshman year at North Carolina.
Dixon’s move follows a familiar thread, linking the Wildcats to the University of North Carolina after Caleb Love’s recent transfer, and he cites former Wildcat big man Henri Veesaar’s endorsement as a key factor.
RJ Godfrey, a late roster addition, brings a history of on‑court battles with Dixon from their Clemson days, adding another layer of familiarity to the group.
Coaches have adjusted development plans to accommodate Godfrey’s arrival, expecting the veteran to provide depth and a serious approach that can accelerate the newcomers’ integration.