Caleb Love’s Induction into the Ring of Honor
CALIFORNIA – 14TH FEBRUARY: Caleb Love, currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, attended the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Arizona Wildcats at the McKale Center, which took place on February 14, 2026. The visit coincided with his induction into the Ring of Honor, a significant honor for his contributions during his college basketball career. Love’s dynamic scoring ability on the court has made him a notable figure in NCAA basketball, earning both fans and critics due to his high-pressure performance style.
Gratitude Towards Coaching
Reflecting on his time with the Wildcats, Love expressed gratitude towards head coach Tommy Lloyd, crediting him for implementing an NBA-like offensive approach. Love noted,
“I thank Tommy a lot because he kind of runs an NBA-style offense with how fast-paced it is, heavy ball screens, things like that. It truly helped my transition to the professional level.”
Transition to the NBA
Since going undrafted, Love signed with the Trail Blazers, hoping to secure a spot on their roster for the season. His performance has gone beyond expectations, as he has established himself as a key player in the team’s rotation, averaging 11.3 points per game, which ranks him ninth amongst rookies. He has also showcased his shooting skills by hitting 93 three-pointers in just 45 games, placing him fourth among his rookie peers.
Challenges and Mindset
Adapting to a new role has been challenging for Love, who admitted,
“My welcome to the NBA moment is probably coming off the bench. I never came off the bench ever in my life. Let alone I’ve got DNPs.”
He acknowledged the shift in mindset required to thrive as a professional athlete.
“You got to be a pro! You can’t be looking down or being sorry for yourself because it’s a business at the end of the day. You got to come in and be a professional.”
Mental Resilience and Support
The mental resilience Love developed throughout his college career, particularly under Lloyd’s guidance, has prepared him for the rigors of the NBA. Lloyd noted that experiencing challenges in college provided Love with the ability to overcome adversity in the pros, saying,
“A lot of times when a young player goes to the NBA, they haven’t yet experienced the lowest. So I think in order for you to ultimately be successful at that level, we have to know how you’re going to respond to a struggle. Love had been through the struggles, and he had come out of it on the other side, which built great confidence in him.”
Connection to Arizona
During the ceremony at the McKale Center, Love expressed his ongoing connection to Arizona, stating,
“I’ve been watching every game. Even if we sometimes have games on the same day, I’m in the locker room before the game because I’m so invested in it. When I left for Arizona, this is always gonna be home.”
His commitment to the team and its fans highlights the enduring relationship he maintains with his former college and its basketball program.
