TUCSON, Ariz. — Caleb Love finds himself in the perfect place. That’s how it feels on this Thursday afternoon at the University of Arizona. Unlike most college basketball teams, this one plays Motown hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to set the mood before preseason practices. As Love steps onto the McKale Center floor, he is greeted with the chorus of another song: “Can’t you see that I’m lonely? Rescue me.” It’s a bold and attention-grabbing display, just like Love himself.
Love, known as one of the most divisive players in the nation, walks onto the court wearing a long-sleeved shirt under his workout jersey. Midway through practice, he switches jerseys from blue to white, revealing the words “BE BETTER. BE DIFFERENT” on his undershirt. This choice of attire reflects Love’s journey from leading North Carolina to the national championship game in 2022 to facing disappointment and criticism in the following season. After a failed transfer to Michigan, Love has finally found solace at Arizona—a last chance to prove himself and become the player he believes he can be.
“I had to go through all of that to get to where I am now,” Love says. “Mentally, I had to become stronger and learn how to take a punch and fight back.”
Love reflects on his 22nd birthday celebration, where his family enjoyed vegan lasagnas and spaghetti and meatballs at a beloved Italian restaurant. They were far from where they expected to be on that day, but happy nonetheless. Love’s father, Dennis, describes how his son struggled emotionally after a meeting with North Carolina’s head coach, Hubert Davis, where he received no clear answers about his future with the team. Love put his trust in Davis, but felt let down when the coach questioned his potential.
“It hurt. It hurt me,” Love admits. “Because you put your trust into this coach. After Coach Williams left, you put your trust in him. I stayed. I could have left and gone somewhere else. But I put my trust in him…And for him to say that, it definitely hit home.”
Despite his statistical decline in his junior year, Love believed he was doing what the program required of him. However, he realized that he needed to improve and not make things harder for himself. His plans to transfer to Michigan fell through, leaving him once again searching for a new opportunity. Meanwhile, Arizona’s head coach, Tommy Lloyd, saw potential in Love and reached out to him. After conversations and a visit, Love understood how he could contribute to the team and was willing to work on areas like shot selection, playmaking, and defense.
Arizona’s system emphasizes efficient basketball and teamwork. Lloyd wants his players to attack the rim, create scoring opportunities, and play with intensity on defense. Love embraced the chance to redefine his reputation and prove himself as a valuable teammate. He recognized that his new teammates might have preconceived notions about him, but he was determined to change their perceptions.
Love’s journey continues at Arizona, where he is reprogramming his game and striving to be better. This season will test his ability to conform to the system and showcase his growth as a player. With the support and guidance of his new team, Love hopes to prove that he can overcome adversity and reach his full potential.