Exciting Announcement for Basketball Fans
In a thrilling announcement for basketball enthusiasts, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat has been confirmed to participate in this year’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest, joining his former Arizona Wildcats teammate, Carter Bryant. This exciting event is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET and will be broadcasted live on NBC and Peacock.
Player Backgrounds
Keshad Johnson, who wore the jersey number 16 for the Heat, previously transferred to the University of Arizona for the 2023-24 season before entering the professional arena. His collegiate journey mirrored that of Bryant, who played for the Wildcats during the 2024-25 season. While Bryant was drafted 14th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft, Johnson went undrafted but quickly signed a two-way contract with Miami, making him part of a burgeoning roster alongside another recent Wildcat addition, Pelle Larsson.
Arizona Basketball Legacy
The participation of both players marks a notable moment in the history of Arizona basketball, as they become the sixth and seventh former Wildcats to compete in the dunk contest, bringing the total appearances by Wildcats to eight. This impressive lineage includes Aaron Gordon, who last participated in 2020 and is known for his remarkable performances in the dunk contest, having finished as a runner-up twice. The first Arizona player to take part in the event was Richard Jefferson back in 2003, followed by Andre Iguodala in 2006 and Chase Budinger in 2012, all of whom also finished second in their respective competitions.
Potential for History
Should either Johnson or Bryant clinch victory in the dunk contest, they would make history as the first former Arizona player to claim the title, adding another chapter to the legacy of Wildcat alumni in the NBA.
