NBA Draft

Drafting locally: Koa Peat keeps playing in Arizona after draft selection by Suns

Then-Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) walks off the court after a win over Arkansas in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 26 in San Jose, California. Peat, a Gilbert-native who went to Perry High School in Gilbert, was selected by the Suns as the 30th pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday night.

(The Associated Press/Kelley L Cox)

The Suns didn’t have to look far for their first-round pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday night. They selected University of Arizona forward and East Valley native Koa Peat with the 30th pick.

Peat was born in Gilbert and attended Perry High School in Gilbert, though his hometown is listed as Chandler, according to the University of Arizona.

Peat contributed to Perry becoming a basketball factory in recent years. He helped Pumas win four straight state championships. He played alongside brothers Jalen and Cody Williams, who were first-round picks in 2023 and 2025, respectively. Jalen Williams helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Championship in 2025.

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Drafting locally: Koa Peat keeps playing in Arizona after draft selection by Suns

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